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Orbis Collectibles

RIC III Commodus 672A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Commodus 672A. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Commodus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Crispina, draped, hair waved and rolled at crown and knotted on back of head, right, with the legend CRISPINA AVGVSTA.

The reverse shows salus, draped, seated left on low seat, feeding from patera in right hand snake coiled round altar, with the legend SALVS S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
5
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 as co-emperor alongside his father Marcus Aurelius before ruling alone from 180. His sole reign, which is commonly thought to mark the end of the Pax Romana, experienced few military conflicts but was characterised by domestic intrigues and conspiracies. This bronze sestertius was struck under his imperial authority at the mint of Rome.

In the Roman Empire, the sestertius served as a standard denomination valued at one quarter of a denarius, or two and a half asses, providing a useful medium for commerce. Issued with Crispina featured on the obverse accompanied by the legend "CRISPINA AVGVSTA", this piece bears a reverse depicting Salus seated on a low seat and feeding a snake coiled around an altar from a patera, accompanied by the inscription "SALVS S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Commodus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Crispina, draped, hair waved and rolled at crown and knotted on back of head, right
Reverse
Salus, draped, seated left on low seat, feeding from patera in right hand snake coiled round altar
Obverse legend
CRISPINA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend
SALVS S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Commodus 672A
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
CRISPINA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend to match
SALVS 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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