Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
January 2013 NYINC Sale - Ebert Part II & Sess. C 12 January 2013
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
ROMAN EMPIRE
COMMODUS, A.D. 177-192. Bronze Medallion (49 gms).
cf.Gnecchi-pl.88, 6 (reverse legend).This bronze medallion commemorates the emperor Commodus (A.D.180-192). Commodus sadly did not follow in the footsteps of his benign father Marcus Aurelius, and instead he shattered the tradition of previous emperors who chose their successors, as they had no surviving biological sons. As Marcus Aurelius’ one surviving son, Commodus was not chosen to rule based on his merits and ambition, he was born into the role for which he was regrettably ill-suited. One of his first acts as sole ruler was to forfeit territory and pay annual indemnities. These acts were incongruent with the good Roman ideals of conquering and demanding tribute from the enemies of Rome. Commodus’ wife and sister plotted to murder him, but their plot failed and Commodus turned on them, first banishing and then executing them instead. Famed for his legendary megalomania Commodus actually entered the Coliseum as a gladiator and participated in fixed matches as well as recreations of battles from the mythos of Hercules whom he held as a personally connected deity. While he was engaging in these narcissistic ventures Commodus left much of the administration of the empire to his court favorites and conquest to his generals. Of course as the emperor he would still take credit for the glory of their accomplishments however.
One of these victories that Commodus claimed for himself is depicted on this bronze medallion. The obverse of this medallion depicts a right facing bust of Commodus in military dress with scaled armor and a laurel crown, implying his victory in battle. The inscription reads: M. AVREL. COMMODVS. ANTONINVS. AVG. translating to Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus. Typically Roman Emperors stress their heritage to great emperors, including his father’s name Marcus Aurelius and his grandfather’s name Antoninus Pius. The entire inscription is his full name, which is shortened to Commodus for easy identification.
COMMODUS, A.D. 177-192. Bronze Medallion (49 gms).
cf.Gnecchi-pl.88, 6 (reverse legend).This bronze medallion commemorates the emperor Commodus (A.D.180-192). Commodus sadly did not follow in the footsteps of his benign father Marcus Aurelius, and instead he shattered the tradition of previous emperors who chose their successors, as they had no surviving biological sons. As Marcus Aurelius’ one surviving son, Commodus was not chosen to rule based on his merits and ambition, he was born into the role for which he was regrettably ill-suited. One of his first acts as sole ruler was to forfeit territory and pay annual indemnities. These acts were incongruent with the good Roman ideals of conquering and demanding tribute from the enemies of Rome. Commodus’ wife and sister plotted to murder him, but their plot failed and Commodus turned on them, first banishing and then executing them instead. Famed for his legendary megalomania Commodus actually entered the Coliseum as a gladiator and participated in fixed matches as well as recreations of battles from the mythos of Hercules whom he held as a personally connected deity. While he was engaging in these narcissistic ventures Commodus left much of the administration of the empire to his court favorites and conquest to his generals. Of course as the emperor he would still take credit for the glory of their accomplishments however.
One of these victories that Commodus claimed for himself is depicted on this bronze medallion. The obverse of this medallion depicts a right facing bust of Commodus in military dress with scaled armor and a laurel crown, implying his victory in battle. The inscription reads: M. AVREL. COMMODVS. ANTONINVS. AVG. translating to Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus Augustus. Typically Roman Emperors stress their heritage to great emperors, including his father’s name Marcus Aurelius and his grandfather’s name Antoninus Pius. The entire inscription is his full name, which is shortened to Commodus for easy identification.
The reverse shows Commodus again in military attire holding a spear and gloating over a trophy of conquest, complete with two subjugated enemies at its base. The emperor is shown as a towering figure compared with the captives, not an uncommon motif on depictions of Roman victory however in this case Commodus is frankly a giant alluding to his obsession with his physical prowess. The inscription on the reverse states: TRP VIIII, IMP VI, COS IIII, PP. These abbreviations mean Tribunician Power: nine times (interestingly rendered as VIIII and not IX), Imperator six times, Consul four times (again, interestingly IIII instead of IV), and finally Pater Patriae which means ‘Father of the Country’. These titles help date this piece to between A.D. 183 and 186, based on his number of times he held Consular rank. A beautiful example of the iconography used by Romans to mark their victories this medallion was intended to implant Commodus as a victorious military leader in the minds of future generations of Romans. Ironically however, Commodus’ crazed state, insatiable ego and reign of terror make him easy to remember in the history of Roman Emperors.
"M. AVREL. COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG." Laureate, cuirassed bust of Commodus right; Reverse: "TR. P. VIIII IMP. VI COS. IIII P. P." Commodus, in military attire, standing three quarters right, head left, resting right hand atop trophy, holding spear in left, two kneeling captives at base of trophy. Struck in high relief with full legends and excellent overall details with design elements and portraiture skillfully engraved. Very attractive even dark green patina with some thicker deposits in the protected areas, small edge nick, otherwise exceptionally choice and VERY RARE.NEARLY EXTREMELY FINE.
Estimate: $15000