Catalog Reference
RIC III Commodus 501
Ruler
Commodus
Denomination
Sestertius
Date
186 AD-187 AD
Mint
Rome
Metal
Bronze
Portrait Type
laureate

Obverse

M COMMODVS ANT P FELIX AVG BRIT (P D)

Head of Commodus, laureate, right

Reverse

NOBILITAS AVG P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P S C

Nobilitas, draped, standing right, holding sceptre in right hand and palladium in left hand

About This Type

This RIC III Commodus 501 is a sestertius of Commodus (186 AD-187 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Nobilitas, draped, standing right, holding sceptre in right hand and palladium in left hand.

About the Sestertius

The sestertius was the large brass prestige coin of the Roman imperial series, typically 25–28 grams and 30–35mm in diameter. Its size gave engravers room for the finest portrait art and most detailed reverse compositions in Roman coinage. Sestertii bear the SC mark indicating senatorial authority over base metal coinage.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIC III Commodus 501?
RIC III Commodus 501 is a Bronze Sestertius of Commodus (186 AD-187 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. III no. III Commodus 501.
How do you identify RIC III Commodus 501?
The obverse depicts Head of Commodus, laureate, right with the inscription M COMMODVS ANT P FELIX AVG BRIT (P D). The reverse depicts Nobilitas, draped, standing right, holding sceptre in right hand and palladium in left hand with the inscription NOBILITAS AVG P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P S C. Portrait type: laureate.

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