When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Menu
- Roman Empire
- Ancient Greek
- U.S. Coins
- World Coins
- All Listings
Shop by EMPEROR
- Antoninus III
- Hadrian
- Julius Caesar
- Lucius Verus
- Marcus Aurelius
- Maximinus Thrax
- Nero
- Philip the Arab
- Septimius Severus
- Severus Republic
Ancient Roman Empire Silver DenariusEmperor Commodus (r. 177-192 A.D.)
Click Thumbnails to Enlarge
Obverse:M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT, Head of Commodus, laureate, right
Reverse:IOVI EXSVP P M TR P XII IMP VIII COS V P P, Jupiter, half draped, seated left, holding branch in right hand and sceptre in left hand
Date: c. 186-187 A.D., RIC 152
Composition: Silver, 18mm diameter, 2.99g weight
Interested in other ancient Greek and Roman coins? Please check out ourother listings.
After the death of his father, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, in 180 AD, Commodus became sole emperor at the age of 18. He initially enjoyed popular support but soon proved to be an erratic and unstable ruler. Commodus was known for his love of gladiatorial games and his fascination with his own physical prowess, considering himself a modern-day Hercules. He often appeared in the arena to fight as a gladiator (in staged matches), engaged in excessive spending on public works projects and lavished gifts on his supporters. He passed a law renaming each of the twelve calendar months to one of his many names, and even renamed the Roman people to \"Commodianus.\"
Commodus\' rule was marked by corruption, incompetence, and various court intrigues and conspiracies. In 192 AD, a group of conspirators led by the head of the Praetorian Guard, and Commodus\' own mistress, Marcia, plotted to assassinate him. Commodus was first poisoned, but after vomiting up the poison was then strangled to death by his former wrestling partner. Upon his death, the Roman Senate declared him a public enemy, tearing down his statues and erasing his name from the imperial records.
Our Policies
1) Lifetime guarantee of authenticity- all of our ancient coins are carefully authenticated and purchased from reputable numismatic sale houses. We have been selling on for over 15 years and completely guarantee the authenticity of all the coins we sell.
2) Fast shipping -all orders shipped within one business day
3) 30-day return policy- not happy with your coin? Return it within 30 days of your purchase for a full refund, no questions asked (we pay the return shipping costs)
4)No overmarketing- only a simple description of wear/luster
5)No photoediting- all pictures are unedited
Gift Options
We offer multiple options for those looking to give our coins as gifts, or display/present them. Please contact us if you are interested, or purchase via the links below.Printed/signed certificate of authenticity($5 additional)
Black velvet display holder($10 additional)
Floating coin frame($10 additional)