Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XII 29 September 2016
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Commodus AV Aureus. Rome, AD 189. M COMM ANT P FEL AVG G BRIT P P, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / MIN VICT P M TR P XIIII COS V DES VI, Minerva standing left, holding Victory and spear; trophy behind. RIC -; C. -; Calicό 2290a = Stack's 1993, no. 465. 7.10g. 21mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare, apparently only the second known example.
This aureus displays Commodus on the verge of his infamous descent into megalomania. As a result of various attempts on his life and a rather tumultous reign, Commodus preferred to spend the late 180s on his private estates rather than in the public eye at Rome. During this time, a favourite of Commodus' named Cleander took advantage of the emperor's absence and began administration in Rome to further his own power. An example of his extreme self-given governance can be found in his appointment of 25 suffect consuls, the highest number in all the history of Rome. Cleander fell into disrepute and Commodus had to eventually have his old favourite executed in AD 190.
The appearance of Minerva on the reverse of this coin is significant as its production hails from the period before the obsession with Hercules consumed Commodus. Like Hadrian before him, he chose Minerva as his patron deity and protectress and pays her respect with this reverse type, while his coinage also featured other deities from the Roman pantheon as well. We can clearly see the change that occurs in his character over time with a comparison of the types, for the traditional deities are dispensed with while Hercules becomes dominant, as can be seen on lot 808 where Commodus appears on the obverse wearing the lion skin headdress associated with the hero.
Good Very Fine. Extremely Rare, apparently only the second known example.
This aureus displays Commodus on the verge of his infamous descent into megalomania. As a result of various attempts on his life and a rather tumultous reign, Commodus preferred to spend the late 180s on his private estates rather than in the public eye at Rome. During this time, a favourite of Commodus' named Cleander took advantage of the emperor's absence and began administration in Rome to further his own power. An example of his extreme self-given governance can be found in his appointment of 25 suffect consuls, the highest number in all the history of Rome. Cleander fell into disrepute and Commodus had to eventually have his old favourite executed in AD 190.
The appearance of Minerva on the reverse of this coin is significant as its production hails from the period before the obsession with Hercules consumed Commodus. Like Hadrian before him, he chose Minerva as his patron deity and protectress and pays her respect with this reverse type, while his coinage also featured other deities from the Roman pantheon as well. We can clearly see the change that occurs in his character over time with a comparison of the types, for the traditional deities are dispensed with while Hercules becomes dominant, as can be seen on lot 808 where Commodus appears on the obverse wearing the lion skin headdress associated with the hero.