Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 135 21 Nov 2022
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The Roman Empire. Crispina, wife of Commodus.
Aureus circa 180-183, AV 7.24 g. CRISPINA – AVGVSTA Draped bust r., hair in round coil at back of head. Rev. PVDI – CITIA Pudicitia, veiled, standing l., drawing veil in front of face with r. hand. C 29. BMC Commodus 43. G. Giacosa, Women of the Caesars, 34 (this coin). RIC Commodus 285. Calicó 2374.
Very rare. A gentle portrait of enchanting beauty, the work of a very talented
master engraver. Virtually as struck and almost Fdc
Ex Tkalec 1994, 229; M&M 92, 2002, 116 and NAC 27, 2004, 427 sales.
The daughter of a nobleman who had campaigned alongside Marcus Aurelius against barbarians on the northern border of the empire, Crispina reportedly was an exceptionally beautiful woman, a fact which the portrait on this coin supports. She was married to the fifteen year old future emperor Commodus, but as he steadily became more paranoid and megalomaniacal, their relationship disintegrated, and they both partook in extramarital affairs. In 182 Crispina was banished to the island of Capri where she met her end by strangulation, presumably on the orders of her husband. The official reason given for her severe treatment was her adulterous activities, but more than likely it was because she, along with her sister-in-law Lucilla, was implicated in a failed plot to assassinate Commodus.
Graded Ch AU Strike 5/5 Surface 4/5, NGC certification number 6556714-017
Aureus circa 180-183, AV 7.24 g. CRISPINA – AVGVSTA Draped bust r., hair in round coil at back of head. Rev. PVDI – CITIA Pudicitia, veiled, standing l., drawing veil in front of face with r. hand. C 29. BMC Commodus 43. G. Giacosa, Women of the Caesars, 34 (this coin). RIC Commodus 285. Calicó 2374.
Very rare. A gentle portrait of enchanting beauty, the work of a very talented
master engraver. Virtually as struck and almost Fdc
Ex Tkalec 1994, 229; M&M 92, 2002, 116 and NAC 27, 2004, 427 sales.
The daughter of a nobleman who had campaigned alongside Marcus Aurelius against barbarians on the northern border of the empire, Crispina reportedly was an exceptionally beautiful woman, a fact which the portrait on this coin supports. She was married to the fifteen year old future emperor Commodus, but as he steadily became more paranoid and megalomaniacal, their relationship disintegrated, and they both partook in extramarital affairs. In 182 Crispina was banished to the island of Capri where she met her end by strangulation, presumably on the orders of her husband. The official reason given for her severe treatment was her adulterous activities, but more than likely it was because she, along with her sister-in-law Lucilla, was implicated in a failed plot to assassinate Commodus.
Graded Ch AU Strike 5/5 Surface 4/5, NGC certification number 6556714-017