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Orbis Collectibles

RIC III Commodus 658

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Commodus 658. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Commodus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Marcus Aurelius, bare, right, with the legend DIVVS M ANTONINVS PIVS. The reverse shows eagle, head right, standing left on garlanded altar, with the legend CONSECRATIO S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Commodus ruled the Roman Empire from 177 to 192. He initially served as co-emperor alongside his father, Marcus Aurelius, before ruling as sole emperor from 180 following his father's death. His sole reign marked the conclusion of the Pax Romana and the end of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze sestertius commemorates the deified Marcus Aurelius under Commodus's authority. In the Roman monetary system, the sestertius functioned as a circulating denomination equivalent to one quarter of a denarius or two and a half asses, useful for daily commerce. The obverse depicts the bare head of the deceased ruler alongside the legend "DIVVS M ANTONINVS PIVS". The reverse displays an eagle standing on a garlanded altar accompanied by the inscription "CONSECRATIO S C", marking the imperial consecration.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Commodus

Design

Obverse
Head of Marcus Aurelius, bare, right
Reverse
Eagle, head right, standing left on garlanded altar
Obverse legend
DIVVS M ANTONINVS PIVS
Reverse legend
CONSECRATIO S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Commodus 658
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
DIVVS M ANTONINVS PIVS
Reverse legend to match
CONSECRATIO S C
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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