Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XVIII 29 Sep 2019
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Commodus Æ Medallion. Rome, AD 186-187. M COMMODVS ANTONINVS PIVS FELIX AVG BRIT, laureate and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P XII IMP VIII, Tellus reclining left, left arm resting on basket of fruit and cradling long vine branch from which hangs grapes above, her right hand placed on star-studded globe, around which are the figures of the Four Seasons; TELLVS STABIL COS V P P in two lines in exergue. Gnecchi 129, pl. 86, 9. 53.18g, 39mm, 1h.
Good Very Fine. Very Rare.
Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XV, 5 April 2018, lot 576.
The production of medallions had been gradually growing since the reign of Hadrian, and reached a climax under Commodus. Used as gifts for the elite, we might consider them one of the devices of the emperor's new policy of self-promotion for they all spoke to the themes Commodus sought to uphold by his reign.
On this medallion the theme of Tellus Stabilita (the earth firmly established) is embodied by the allegorical figure of Tellus who sits on the ground leaning upon an abundant basket of fruit, produce of the earth. Tellus reaches out her hand to rest on a large globe, representative of the heavens and thereby encompassing the whole empire. Around Tellus the seasons, in the guise of four women, pose gracefully. For Commodus, association with this theme had two implications. On the one hand it embodied a vision that under his rule the empire would enjoy a period of peace and prosperity free from all fears of domestic and external wars, while on the other hand it recalled the first imperial Golden Age of Augustus.
Good Very Fine. Very Rare.
Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XV, 5 April 2018, lot 576.
The production of medallions had been gradually growing since the reign of Hadrian, and reached a climax under Commodus. Used as gifts for the elite, we might consider them one of the devices of the emperor's new policy of self-promotion for they all spoke to the themes Commodus sought to uphold by his reign.
On this medallion the theme of Tellus Stabilita (the earth firmly established) is embodied by the allegorical figure of Tellus who sits on the ground leaning upon an abundant basket of fruit, produce of the earth. Tellus reaches out her hand to rest on a large globe, representative of the heavens and thereby encompassing the whole empire. Around Tellus the seasons, in the guise of four women, pose gracefully. For Commodus, association with this theme had two implications. On the one hand it embodied a vision that under his rule the empire would enjoy a period of peace and prosperity free from all fears of domestic and external wars, while on the other hand it recalled the first imperial Golden Age of Augustus.