What is RIC III Commodus 174?

RIC III Commodus 174 is a Gold Aureus of Commodus (188 AD-189 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. III no. III Commodus 174.

Commodus Aureus — RIC III Commodus 174

Obverse

Classical Numismatic Group, CC-BY-SA-2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Catalog Reference

RIC III Commodus 174

Ruler

Commodus

Denomination

Aureus

Date

188 AD-189 AD

Mint

Rome

Metal

Gold

Portrait Type

laureate

Obverse

M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT

Head of Commodus, laureate, right

Reverse

MART PAC P M TR P XIIII COS V P P

Mars, helmeted, nude, standing left, holding branch in right hand and vertical spear in left; at feet, a pile of arms

About This Type

This RIC III Commodus 174 is an aureus of Commodus (188 AD-189 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Mars, helmeted, nude, standing left, holding branch in right hand and vertical spear in left; at feet, a pile of arms.

About the Aureus

The aureus was the principal Roman gold denomination, struck from the late Republic through the early fourth century. It typically weighs 7–8 grams and measures 19–21mm. Because gold does not corrode, aurei often survive in exceptional condition compared to silver and bronze issues of the same period.

About the Rome Mint

The Rome mint was the principal mint of the Roman state from the Republic through the fall of the Western Empire. It produced the vast majority of gold and silver coinage and was the only mint for much of the first and second centuries AD.

All Commodus coins Rome mint All Aureus coins

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIC III Commodus 174?: RIC III Commodus 174 is a Gold Aureus of Commodus (188 AD-189 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. III no. III Commodus 174.
How do you identify RIC III Commodus 174?: The obverse depicts Head of Commodus, laureate, right with the inscription M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT. The reverse depicts Mars, helmeted, nude, standing left, holding branch in right hand and vertical spear in left; at feet, a pile of arms with the inscription MART PAC P M TR P XIIII COS V P P. Portrait type: laureate.