RIC III Commodus 660
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC III Commodus 660. 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, flying right, grasping thunderbolt in talons, and bearing on its back Marcus Aurelius, holding sceptre, with the legend CONSECRATIO S C.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 14
- 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, initially serving alongside his father Marcus Aurelius as nominal co-emperor before governing alone from 180. His reign formed the final chapter of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, ending with his assassination in 192. This bronze coinage was produced under his authority at the mint of Rome.
The coin is a sestertius, a Roman denomination valued at one quarter of a denarius and useful for commerce. Struck under Commodus to commemorate his late father, the obverse bears the portrait of Marcus Aurelius with the inscription DIVVS M ANTONINVS PIVS, identifying him as divine. The reverse features an eagle grasping a thunderbolt and bearing the sceptre-holding Marcus Aurelius upon its back, paired with the legend CONSECRATIO S C to mark his consecration.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Bronze
- Denomination
- Sestertius
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Commodus
Design
- Obverse
- Head of Marcus Aurelius, bare, right
- Reverse
- Eagle, flying right, grasping thunderbolt in talons, and bearing on its back Marcus Aurelius, holding sceptre
- Obverse legend
- DIVVS M ANTONINVS PIVS
- Reverse legend
- CONSECRATIO S C
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC III Commodus 660
- 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
- RIC / OCREric.3.com.660
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.