What is RIC III Commodus 48?

RIC III Commodus 48 is a Gold Aureus of Commodus (183 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. III no. III Commodus 48.

Commodus Aureus, Mars reverse (RIC III 48)

Obverse

Aleksandars88, PD, via Wikimedia Commons

Catalog Reference

RIC III Commodus 48

Ruler

Commodus

Denomination

Aureus

Date

183 AD

Mint

Rome

Metal

Gold

Portrait Type

laureate

Obverse

M COMMODVS ANTON AVG PIVS

Bust of Commodus, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right

Reverse

TR P VIII IMP V COS IIII P P

Mars, helmeted, standing left, leaning on shield, and holding reversed spear in left hand

About This Type

This RIC III Commodus 48 is an aureus of Commodus (183 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Mars, helmeted, standing left, leaning on shield, and holding reversed spear in left hand.

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 48?: RIC III Commodus 48 is a Gold Aureus of Commodus (183 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. III no. III Commodus 48.
How do you identify RIC III Commodus 48?: The obverse depicts Bust of Commodus, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right with the inscription M COMMODVS ANTON AVG PIVS. The reverse depicts Mars, helmeted, standing left, leaning on shield, and holding reversed spear in left hand with the inscription TR P VIII IMP V COS IIII P P. Portrait type: laureate.