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Orbis Collectibles

RIC III Commodus 686 (dupondius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Commodus 686 (dupondius). Denomination: Dupondius. 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 venus, draped, seated left, holding Victory in extended right hand and sceptre in left hand, with the legend VENVS FELIX S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
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 as co-emperor alongside his father Marcus Aurelius and subsequently as sole ruler from 180. His governance marked the conclusion of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, coming to an end with his assassination in 192.

Struck at the Rome mint under the authority of Commodus, this bronze dupondius features an obverse portrait with the legend CRISPINA AVGVSTA. The reverse depicts a seated Venus holding a sceptre and Victory, accompanied by the inscription VENVS FELIX S C. In the monetary system of the Roman Empire, the dupondius functioned as a denomination valued at two asses, equivalent to half a sestertius or an eighth of a denarius, with a loaf of bread or a sextarius of wine costing approximately one dupondius at the empire's height.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Dupondius

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
Venus, draped, seated left, holding Victory in extended right hand and sceptre in left hand
Obverse legend
CRISPINA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend
VENVS FELIX S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Commodus 686 (dupondius)
Denomination and metal
Dupondius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
CRISPINA AVGVSTA
Reverse legend to match
VENVS FELIX 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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