Roman Coins in Reverse - a Chronological Gallery

[Roman Collector]

Again, too many to choose from. I like this Vota soluta sestertius of Marcus.

Marcus Aurelius, 161-180 CE.
Roman orichalcum sestertius, 24.20 g, 29.2 mm, 12 h.
Rome, 22nd emission, June-September 171 CE.
Obv: IMP M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXV, laureate head, right.
Rev: VOTA SOL DECENN COS III S C, emperor, veiled and togate, standing facing, head left, sacrificing out of patera held in right hand over tripod-altar; behind altar, prostrate bull.
Refs: RIC 1014; BMCRE 1400; Cohen 1032; Sear RCV 5019; MIR 221-6/30; Banti 525.

And continuing the theme of Faustina's children, Here are Lucilla, Faustina III, Fadilla, Cornificia, Titus Aurelius Fulvus Antoninus and his twin brother, Commodus.

Faustina II, 147-175 CE.
Roman AR denarius, 3.10 g, 17.7 mm, 5 h.
Rome, September 161 CE.
Obv: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, bare-headed and draped bust, right.
Rev: TEMPOR FELIC, female figure, standing left, holding an infant in each arm; at either side, two children standing.
Refs: RIC 719; BMC 156-157; RSC 221; RCV 5263; CRE 179; MIR 31-4/10a.
Note: The coin celebrates the birth of Faustina's twins on 31 August 161 and well illustrates the "all-round legends" as used December 160 - 163.

A seventh child, Marcus Annius Verus, was born in the later months of 162, as celebrated on this coin that is more common than any other issued for the empress.

Faustina II, 147-175 CE.
Roman AR denarius, 3.20 g, 17.4 mm, 11 h.
Rome, late 162 – early 163 CE.
Obv: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, bare-headed and draped bust, right (Beckmann Type 7 hairstyle).
Rev: FECVNDITAS, (Faustina as) Fecunditas standing right, holding scepter and infant.
Refs: RIC 677; BMCRE 92-93; Cohen 99; RCV 5252; MIR 9-4/10b; CRE 176.

Another interesting type is the MATRI CASTRORVM type, celebrating the empress's new title of "The Mother of the Camps."

Faustina II, 147-175 CE.
Roman orichalcum sestertius, 23.24 g, 29.5 mm, 1 h.
Rome, 174-175 CE.
Obv: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, bare-headed and draped bust, right.
Rev: MATRI CASTRORVM S C, Faustina standing left, sacrificing over lighted altar and holding incense-box; three standards before.
Refs: RIC 1659; BMCRE 930-31; Cohen 164; RCV 5280; MIR 23-6/10a.
Notes: BMCRE 929 erroneously gives FAVSTINA AVGVSTA on obverse. The obverse inscription on that coin is in the dative case.

Here's a fun provincial with Dionysus riding on a panther!

Faustina II, 147-175 CE.
Roman provincial triassarion, 6.34 g, 23.4 mm, 7 h.
Thrace, Pautalia, 161-175 CE.
Obv: ΦΑVCΤΕΙΝ-Α CΕΒΑCΤΗ, draped bust of Faustina II, right; band of pearls around head.
Rev: ΟVΛΠΙΑC-ΠΑVΤΑΛΙ-ΑC, Dionysus seated on panther walking, r., resting r. arm on panther, holding thyrsus.
Refs: RPC IV 8811; Ruzicka 99.
Notes: Double die match to RPC IV 8811(4) = Ruzicka 99(4) = Vienna, Kunsthistorisches Museum 8775.

My favorite of Faustina's posthumous reverse types is this one depicting her apotheosis on the back of an EAGLE, not a peacock. This is the last reverse type in Roman numismatics to depict the eagle of Jupiter, rather than the peacock of Juno, carrying the soul of the empress to the celestial realm.

Diva Faustina II, 147-175 CE.
Roman orichalcum sestertius, 25.23 g, 30.2 mm, 11 h.
Rome, early 176 CE.
Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA PIA, veiled and draped bust, right.
Rev: CONSECRATIO S C, Faustina II carried by an eagle flying left, holding transverse scepter in her right hand and with veil decorated with stars floating above her head.
Ref: RIC 1701; BMC 1572; Cohen 68; RCV 5226; MIR –; Cayón p.153, 32.

Lucius Verus has a lot of boring reverse types, with a lot of Victory types (which I find dull). I, however, think this provincial is interesting because it's unclear what the nymphs are holding. @Ryro suggested bongs, and that's as good an interpretation as any!

Lucius Verus, 161-169 CE.
Roman Provincial Æ assarion, 4.23 g, 18 mm.
Thrace, Augusta Trajana, 161-169 CE.
Obv: ΑV ΚΑΙ Λ ΑV-ΡΗ ΟVΗΡΟϹ, bare head, right.
Rev: ΑV-Γ-ΟV-ϹΤΗϹ | ΤΡΑΙΑΝΗϹ, three nymphs, stolate, standing facing, arms draped on each other's shoulders and holding unknown objects (thymiatera? tripods?) at sides.
Refs: RPC IV 10343 (temporary); Schonert-Geiss 89; Varbanov II 909; Moushmov (1912) --; Moushmov Online 2987A; Staal, pl. 2, fig. 12.

Lucilla has some dull reverse types. I do like the growing family reverse types. Lucilla and Lucius Verus had three children, Aurelia Lucilla (born in Antioch in 165), Lucilla Plautia, and Lucius Verus Junior. Sadly, Aurelia and the boy died in early childhood. This coin likely depicts the two girls.

Lucilla, 164-169 CE.
Roman AR denarius; 3.18g, 19.1 mm.
Rome, c. 166-167 CE.
Obv: LVCILLA AVGVSTA, bare-headed and draped bust right.
Rev: FECVNDITAS, Fecunditas seated right, holding a child on her lap; at her feet, a young girl.
Refs: RIC 765; BMCRE 337; Cohen 18; RCV 5483; CRE 249.

 

[Octavius]

 Selection of Marcus Aurelius and Verus....

 1. Denarius of a young Aurelius with Honos holding olive branch and cornucopia...

2. Sestertius with Mars standing...

3. sestertius with reverse of Salus feeding serpent...

 

4. Sestertius with PROFECTIO  reverse - Aurelius on horseback leaving town and setting out for one of his military campaigns...

5. sestertius of Aurelius with reverse of Roma seated on pile of arms and shields...

6. Sestertius with Aequitas seated holding scale....

7. Sestertius of Aurelius with reverse of Aurelius and Verus...

 

8 Sestertius of Verus with same reverse as previous - Aurelius shaking hands with Verus...

[Limes]

3 hours ago, Octavius said:

 Selection of Marcus Aurelius and Verus....

 1. Denarius of a young Aurelius with Honos holding olive branch and cornucopia...

2. Sestertius with Mars standing...

3. sestertius with reverse of Salus feeding serpent...

 

4. Sestertius with PROFECTIO  reverse - Aurelius on horseback leaving town and setting out for one of his military campaigns...

5. sestertius of Aurelius with reverse of Roma seated on pile of arms and shields...

6. Sestertius with Aequitas seated holding scale....

7. Sestertius of Aurelius with reverse of Aurelius and Verus...

 

8 Sestertius of Verus with same reverse as previous - Aurelius shaking hands with Verus...

I sometimes find the portraits of Marcus Aurelius a bit flat, mediocre engraved, and sometimes cartoonesque even with the big bulbous eyes and pointy beard. But these sestertii are exceptional! Especially the portrait on your Kunker coin, with the Salus reverse. Beautiful! 

Edited August 15, 2023 by Limes

[lrbguy]

In this post I will combine the few coins I have for Marcus Aurelius (2) and his friend Lucius Verus (1) and finish off with a small set for Lucilla, wife of Verus.  Later I will put up a group for Faustina II.

 

 

AURELIUS

Marcus Aurelius   162-163 AD
BMCRE 216  denarius of ROME      3.16g

Bare head r.
IMP M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG

Concordia draped, seated L holding out a patera in her R hand, and resting her left arm on a statuette of Spes standing on low base. below seat, cornucopiae.
CONCORD AVG TR P XVI
In exergue: COS III

 

 

Marcus Aurelius   (posthumous)
BMCRE C20 (under Commodus)  denarius of Rome    

bare head to r.
DIVVS M ANTONINVS PIVS

Eagle stg r on globe, head left
CONSECRATIO

 

Lucius Ceionius Commodus Sr had been adopted by Hadrian in 136 AD and became Lucius (Aelius) Ceasar.  His familial name was given to his son at his birth in 130 AD.  When Aelius died in 138, Hadrian ordered that this son should be adopted into the household of Antoninus under the name Lucius (Aelius) Aurelius. On the death of Antoninus in 161, Marcus Aurelius made him his imperial colleague under the name Lucius (Aurelius) Verus, thus establishing the first experiment in joint rule.  His regency continued until his death in 169.

 

L Verus   163-164 (2nd issue)
BMCRE 239  denarius of Rome   

Bare head of Verus, bearded, facing r.
L VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS

Armenia, wearing cloak, breeches, and peaked cap, seated L on ground in attitude of mourning, L hand on bow and quiver, before: vexillum and shield.
TRP III  IMP II   COS II
In exergue: ARMEN

The title "Armeniacus" was conferred upon Verus in 163 after he quelled an uprising by the Parthian king Vologases III.  The following year Verius married the daughter of his imperial colleague; i.e. Annia Aurelis Galeria Lucilla.

 

 

LUCILLA

Two concomitant groups (164-169) by obverse inscription:
                                                GROUP 1          LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F   
                                                 GROUP 2                       LVCILLA AVGVSTA

 

Lucilla  164-169  (Group 1)
BMCRE 306  denarius of Rome   

Bust draped r, head bare, hair waved and knotted low at back in chignon
LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F

Concordia draped, seated L on low seat, holding out a patera in her R hand, and resting her left arm on a statuette of Spes standing on low base. (no cornucopiae).
CON CO  RDIA

 

Lucilla    164-169 (Group 1)
BMCRE 310

Bust draped r, head bare, hair waved and knotted low at back in chignon
LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F

Diana, draped, stg r., holding lighted torch transverse upwards to left, in both hands
DIANA   LVCIFERA

 

Lucilla    164-169 (Group 1)
BMCRE 329   denarius of Rome   

Bust draped r, head bare, hair waved and knotted low at back in chignon
LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F

VOTA / PUBLI / CA in wreath

 

GROUP 2

 

 

Lucilla    164-169 (Group 2)
BMCRE 349  denarius of Rome   

Bust draped r, head bare, hair waved and knotted low at back in chignon
LVCILLA AVGVSTA

Pudicitia, veiled, draped, seated left on low seat, R hand across breast on L arm, L hand on seat
PUDI  CITIA

Though from the same series, the obverse modelling of these two coins is remarkably different.

 

Lucilla    164-169 (Group 2)
BMCRE 349  denarius of Rome   

Bust draped r, head bare, hair waved and knotted low at back in chignon
LVCILLA AVGVSTA

Pudicitia, veiled, draped, seated left on low seat, R hand across breast on L arm, L hand on seat
PUDI  CITIA

[lrbguy]

Many excellent coins have been shown for Faustina II and most areas have been touched with nice examples shown.  I have a few coins for her, but far and away most are mundane reverse types.  One area that offers some real variety in the reverses are the coins consecrated to her memory.  A few have been shown already by others, but the number of types is quite great and I find them to be an interesting study. So with a couple of exceptions, herewith are some memorial issues for Faustina II. 

 

We start with an exception:

Many have shown this Venus type for several women of Rome, here is a VENERI VICTRICI in the same style as that used for numerous others before and after this. This is an issue from life.

 

                     CONSECRATIO

 

We start with the types that were well used by Faustina I (among others to be sure). The peacock, scepter, and throne motif was used for some life issues by Faustina I, and after her death this modified version of the scene appears as a consecration.  So too for her daughter.  In the life issues the peacock appears in full display, but in the the consecration issues the tail is down.   Later use is going to vary that in several ways.

 

 

Hadrian had used astral imagery like this, and it appears on the memorials to Faustina I.  Here it is a crescent and seven stars, one within the arc of the crescent, and six around.

 

 

Another stalwart with widespread usage  is the multilayered funeral pyre with quadriga on top.

 

 

The funeral altar may have gotten a bit of play before this, but it gets a lot more from and after this generation.

 

 

 

Back to the peacock, only this time it appears facing and in full display.  This is an early example of the use of this type, but hereafter for the next century it will make a quite regular appearance.

 

       My Favorite

 

I have several dozen denarii for Faustina II, but hands down this is far and away my favorite piece.  The MATRI CASTRORUM type recalls that Faustina would on not a few occasions accompany her husband into the military encampments, and there assist in the ministrations to the soldiers. In honor of their respect for her ministrations, which were generously and amply applied, she was given the honorary appellation: "Mother (or more probably 'Matron' ) of the Camp. "  The sensitivity of the portrait is exquisite.  On the reverse she interacts with three Roman military standards.

 

Edited August 16, 2023 by lrbguy
touchup

[kapphnwn]

Av Aureus of Marcus Aurelius 165-166 AD Obv Head right laureate Rv Felicitas standing left holding caduceus and cornucopia RIC 153 Calico 1899 Thus coin illustrated Faces of Power 276 This obverse illustrated 7.30 grms 20 mm Photo by W. Hansen

This coin was at one time part of the Adda collection. 

[DonnaML]

I have to say that our members have posted a great many truly amazing reverses in this thread. Our collections, taken collectively, would rival those of some museums -- especially in terms of quality, if not quantity. So far, I'm even more impressed than I was by the portraits thread, although of course there's been a lot of overlap. Fortunately, both threads have stretched out for so long since the beginning of this year that nobody remembers when I repost some of the same coins I posted months ago for their portraits!

[Al Kowsky]

Commodus, AD 177-192 (struck AD 189). Rome mint. AR Denarius: 17 mm, 11 h. Obverse: Laureate head of Commodus. Reverse: Fortuna Felix standing with foot on prow, holding a caduceus & cornucopia. RIC III 186. Ex AWK Collection.

Lucilla, Augusta, AD 164-182 (struck under Marcus Aurelius & Lucius Verus, mid 164). Obverse: Draped bust of Lucilla. Reverse: Juno seated on throne & holding a flower & infant. RIC III 770 (Aurelius). Ex AWK Collection.

The reign of Commodus went in a different direction than the reign of his father Marcus Aurelius. He ended the period of territorial expansion & was more interested in performing as a gladiator in the arena & sponsoring lavish shows in the Colosseum. To pay for these extravagant events he over taxed the senatorial class & wealthy Romans. On two occasions he reduced the weight & purity of the denarius, so by AD 186 the denarius contained only 2.22 grams of pure silver. His megalomaniac tendencies increased to a dangerous level, hatching a number of plots to assassinate him. His older sister Lucilla, was involved in one of these plots. Upon discovering Lucilla's part in this plot, he had her exiled to Capri & later murdered. Commodus was finally assassinated on December 1, 192 by his wrestling partner Narcissus, who drowned him in his bath tub.

Edited August 17, 2023 by Al Kowsky
correction

[Limes]

When it comes to Commodus, the most interesting reverses I think, are the ones showing Commodus thinking he's the new Hercules. Here's mine: 

And a different theme, but nevertheless lovely reverse scene:

 

Edited August 16, 2023 by Limes

[Octavius]

 The two legacies that Marcus Aurelius gave to the world - "Meditations" , and Commodus, a somewhat incongruous donative.

some coins of Commodus....

1.  denarius with reverse of Pax holding cornucopia....

 

2. Sestertius of Commodus with Providentia , globe at feet... reverse...

3. setertius with Pax standing reverse....

4. my favorite reverse of these - Cybele riding on back of a lion...

 

5. Sestertius with reverse of Securitas seated holding globe....

[Qcumbor]

When it comes to Commodus, I can't but post my alltimes favourite roman coin : the sestertius that my grandad found at Verdun battle in 1916, and gave me as a present when I was 18. One thing however saddens me with it is back then, he was probably fighting against @DonnaML's own grand father who was on the other side of the trench !!

This sestertius has a reverse fitting very well with the purpose of the thread, showing Hercules holding club and lion's skin, resting on a trophy/armor :

Commodus, Sestertius - Rome mint, 192 CE
L AEL AVREL CO---MM AVG P FEL, Laureate head of Commodus right
HERCVLI ROMANO AVG, Hercules facing, head left, holding club and lion's skin, resting on trophy. SC in field
21,01 gr
Ref : RCV #5752, Cohen #203, BMC # 314. RIC # 640.

This is the very first roman coin I have ever possessed, gift from my grand father who found it digging a trench at Verdun battle during WWI

The following comment is taken from the description of a similar example (in far much better condition) in NAC auction 54, # 477 : Few Roman coins excite as much commentary as those of Commodus, which show him possessed of Hercules. Not only do they present an extraordinary image, but they offer incontrovertible support to the literary record. The reports of Commodus’ megalomania and infatuation with Hercules are so alarming and fanciful that if the numismatic record was not there to confirm, modern historians would almost certainly regard the literary record as an absurd version of affairs, much in the way reports of Tiberius’ depraved behaviour on Capri are considered to be callous exaggerations. Faced with such rich and diverse evidence, there can be no question that late in his life Commodus believed that Hercules was his divine patron. Indeed, he worshipped the demigod so intensely that he renamed the month of September after him, and he eventually came to believe himself to be an incarnation of the mythological hero. By tradition, Hercules had fashioned his knotted club from a wild olive tree that he tore from the soil of Mount Helicon and subsequently used to kill the lion of Cithaeron when he was only 18 years old. Probably the most familiar account of his bow and arrows was his shooting of the Stymphalian birds while fulfilling his sixth labour. The reverse inscription HERCVLI ROMANO AVG (‘to the August Roman Hercules’) makes the coin all the more interesting, especially when put into context with those of contemporary coins inscribed HERCVLI COMMODO AVG, which amounts to a dedication ‘to Hercules Commodus Augustus’.

And here's a fun thread (on the other forum) on the occasion of the Coin Imperator Tournament @Curtisimo had organised, where this very coin appears

Q

 

 

Edited August 17, 2023 by Qcumbor

[Ancient Coin Hunter]

Commodus 180-192 C.E.

Billon Tetradrachm, Alexandria Egypt, 26 mm 12.41 grams

Reverse: Seated Zeus holding thunderbolt, kappa in left field, theta in right.

 

 

[ambr0zie]

We do not know as much as we'd want about ancient history and in my opinion some historical figures are hyperbolized. In a positive or negative matter. However, the things we know about Commodus seem to indicate in a clear matter that ... he cannot be placed in the list of good emperors. 

In my personal opinion, the decline started with him, after a long period of capable and popular emperors. 

Some reverses I find interesting:

Double cornucopiae. 

A reverse type that is singular in my collection - "platform type". Unfortunately this example is damaged. I bought it knowing about the issue - but this is another proof that the ancient silver is very fragile. I had an accident with one of my RR denarii (and to make it even more beautiful, one of my favorites). 

 

Another type I find interesting - FORTVNAE MANENTI 

A very interesting article (found by @Roman Collector about this series of coins): https://www.academia.edu/44812846/Commodus_and_Fortuna_Manens

This denarius might celebrate an event where Commodus was involved but he managed to escape. 

Crispina is not very well represented in my collection - a IVNO reverse but very poorly struck. At least the obverse shows that Crispina was one of the most beautiful ladies in her time. 

Edited August 17, 2023 by ambr0zie

[Curtisimo]

Commodus 

[Qcumbor]

2 minutes ago, Curtisimo said:

 

I was expecting to see that tremendous coin in this thread !

I hope one day to be able to adding this coin type to my collection : it would nicely pair my sestertius. But finding one as nice is really tricky

Thanks for showing it again @Curtisimo

Q

[AncientOne]

One of the better families for collecting diverse types.

Thrace, Bizya. Marcus Aurelius AE25.

Marcus Aurelius, AE27 of Bizya, Thrace. Obv: M AVRHLIOCOV HROC KAICAP, bare head right. Rev: BIZY HNWN, Herakles standing facing, head l., resting arm on club, holding lion-skin. RPC IV.1 9305 var. (rev. head l.).

Achaea. Zacynthus, Island off Elis. Marcus Aurelius AE20. Pan with infant Dionysus

Zacynthus; Achaea; Peleponnessus (District: Zacynthus). Date 161–180. Obverse design laureate head of Marcus Aurelius, r. Obverse inscription ΑΥ ΚΑΙ Μ ΑΥ ΑΝΤΩΝΕΙΝ ΑΥ Reverse design Pan standing, r., nebris over shoulders, holding bunch of grapes and infant Dionysus Reverse inscription ΖΑΚΥΝΘΙΩΝ RPC IV.1, 4626   Mesopotamia, Edessa. Commodus/Abgar VII Obv: ΚΟΜΟΔΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ, laureate head of Commodus, r. Rev: ΑΒΓΑΡΟϹ ΒΑϹΙΛƐVϹ, draped bust of Abgar (bearded) wearing diademed tiara, r.   Mysia, Pergamon. Alliance with Ephesos. AE34 of Commodus Obv: laureate-headed bust of Commodus (short beard) wearing cuirass and paludamentum, r. Rev: to l., Asclepius standing, facing, (head, r.), holding serpent-staff; to r., cult statue of Artemis of Ephesus standing, facing, wearing kalathos, having supports. 34mm and 20.8g.   Syria, Decapolis, Philadelphia. Commodus AE22. Veiled bust of Asteria Obv: L AVP KOM MODOC KAIC. Draped and cuirassed bust of Commodus as Caesar. Rev: ΦΙΛ Κ C V ΘΕΑΛΕΤΕΡΙ. Asteria r., draped and veiled with star on top of head. 20mm, 8.6g. Spijkerman 32. rare Asteria was the mother goddess of the Tyrian Herakles(Melkart) and both had a special cult in Rabbat Amman(Philadelphia).   Thrace, Coela. Commodus AE20. Prow Commodus AE20, 3.51g; 20mm, 176-192 AD. Obv: CM COMMOC AV, laureate head of Commodus, r. Rev: AIL MV NIC COILA, prow, r., above, cornucopia; before, dolphin. RPC Online 9386 temp.   Pamphylia, Sillyon(Sillyum). Lucilla AE24. Bust of Men Lucilla, daughter of Marcus Aurelius, wife of Lucius Verus, Augusta, 164-182 AD. AE24, 9.5g. Obv: ΛΟΥΚΙΛΛΑ CEBACTH. Draped bust right, hair gathered in back in Chignon. Rev: CIΛΛYEΩN. Draped bust of Mên right, crescent at shoulders.

[DonnaML]

I should have been able at this point to post the Commodus and Crispina sestertii from @Julius Germanicus that I bought at the Leu auction. But unfortunately I can't, for reasons I've explained elsewhere! So I'll have to skip them, at least for now: the only coins of the two that I already had have standard Pax and Venus w/peacock reverses. 

[Edessa]

Commodus, AD 177-192. Æ Sestertius (30.5mm, 26.75g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 189. Obv: Laureate head right. Rev: Minerva standing left, holding Victory and reversed spear; shield set on ground to left; trophy to right. Ref: RIC III 544; MIR 18, 787-6/30; Banti 220. Very pleasant green-brown patina. Near Very Fine. Ex CNG e541 (28 Jun 2023), Lot 523.

Roman Egypt, Alexandria. Commodus, AD 177-192. Billon Tetradrachm (24x27mm, 11.93g, 11h). Dated RY 23 of Marcus Aurelius (AD 182/183). Obv: Μ ΑVΡ(Η) ΚΟΜ(ΜΟ) ΑΝΤƱΝΙΝΟϹ (ϹƐ); Laureate head right. Rev: Head of Zeus-Ammon right, wearing solar disk and horn; L K-Γ (date) across field. Ref: Dattari (Savio) 3899; K&G 41.33; Emmett 2568.23; RPC IV.4 14193 (temporary). Very Fine, nice even green patina. Ex Keith Emmett Collection.  Ex Beast Coins. Ex Kevin Barry, Aug 2000.

Edited August 17, 2023 by Edessa

[lrbguy]

There are some interesting coins out there for Commodus.  I have none of those, but it's nice to see that some of you do. 

 

COMMODUS

Commodus   177-180
BMCRE M800  (Marcus & Commodus)     3.52g

Head of Commodus laureate to right
L AVREL COM  -  MODVS AVG

Victory, winged draped, advancing L holding wreath up in R hand, and palm sloped at shoulder in L.
TRP IIII . IMP III  -  COS II P P

Maybe I don't get around much, but a beardless portrait of Commodus always catches my attention.  The whole texture of the coin seems out of character somehow, since the elements of the bizarre and sinister are not yet evident.

 

 

Commodus   190-191 (Dec to Dec)
BMCRE 305

Head of Commodus bearded, laureate, to right.
M COMM ANT P F - EL AVG BRIT P P

Roma, helmeted, draped, seated L on low seat, by which is round shield behind; holding Victory in R hand and vertical spear in L.
ROM FEL P M TR P XVI [COS VI]

The portrait on this obverse is a little more in keeping with how I think of Commodus (about 10 years after the coin above.)  However, something about the reverse caught my attention.   Inasmuch as this reverse type was issued in conjunction with his campaign in Britain quelling the Scottish insurgence against the Antonine wall, it bears a striking resemblance to what later became the symbol of Pax Brittania.

 

CRISPINA

 

1st issue:  CRISPINA AVG (undated for 180-183)

Crispina
BMCRE 29

Bust of Crispina, draped R; hair waved, bunched infront, "feathered" down cheek, and knotted in chignon at back
CRISPI - NA AVG

Clasped hands
CON - COR - DIA

 

 

Crispina
BMCRE 31

Bust of Crispina, draped R; hair waved, bunched in front, "feathered" down cheek, and knotted in chignon at back
CRISPINA AVG
 
Lighted altar of rectangular shape;
above: DIS
left:GENI  down in exergue:TALI   up right: BVS

This altar celebrates "genitalibus" i.e. giving birth.  It is aN ironic twist from  the use of the altar for "consecratio" death issues.

 

2nd issue:  CRISPINA AVGVSTA   (EARLY, AS ABOVE)

The second issue was more extensive than the first, and accounts for a good deal more material (unfortunatley all issues have rather vanilla "deity" reverses).  Here are but two examples .

Crispina
BMCRE 41

Bust of Crispina, draped R; hair waved throughout, knotted in chignon at back
CRISPINA - AVGVSTA

Juno, veiled, draped, standing front head to L, holds out patera in R hand and staff in L; at feet standing to L, peacock
I V  -  N  O

 

 

Crispina
BMCRE 44

Bust of Crispina, draped R; hair waved, bunched in  front, "feathered" down cheek, and knotted in chignon at back
CRISPINA AVGVSTA

Venus draped standing front, head L, holding up apple in R hand; at left drawing at fold of drapery on shoulder with L hand.
up L: V  E  -  down R: N  V  S

Edited August 18, 2023 by lrbguy
Sorry for the mixup, I was in a hurry. Now all the pieces fit together.

[Octavius]

 I just have one to offer for this time period ...

Denarius of Clodius Albinus with reverse of Minerva Pacifica holding olive branch and spear ....

[ambr0zie]

[lrbguy]

Just to clarify, the list in the calendar did not include all of the figures in the War of Succession as that is represented by the Bristish Museum  catalog.  Missing are the coins of Clodius Albinus and Septimius Severus before he was recognized as sole emperor.  Coins of other family members are not mentioned but have been welcome so far. 

 

So, how literally are we to take the listing for the day? 

ONLY as printed, or

assume all the players in the wars of Succession (193-197),

(recognizing that the issues of Sep Severus and family will go through transformation of status and style after the wars end ).

 

 

[Limes]

10 minutes ago, ambr0zie said:

I am having a hard time to think of any interesting reverses of these short lived rulers... But I'd love to see some, and be proven wrong!

[ambr0zie]

On a serious note (I do not have any coins from these emperors or their relatives) - what I find interesting is that Pertinax was the only ruler with Ops reverses.... except Antoninus Pius. There were 5 rare issues under Pius (1 denarius, 4 sestertii). Pertinax issued 2 denarii, 1 sestertius, 2 dupondii, 4 assari. 

It is a little surprising that Ops (or the Greek equivalent Rhea, mother of the Olympian gods) is poorly represented in coinage. I remember a few months ago I had to identify some Roman provincials and I had major difficulties with one. 

This is from Amorium in Phrygia, Caracalla with Rhea/Ops reverse holding Zeus. 2nd known example. 

There are only 4 coins with a Rhea reverse in RPC. I am not sure about Greek coinage but I strongly suspect Rhea is not well represented. 

I allowed myself the off topic because a Pertinax coin with Ops reverse is double interesting in my opinion. 

 

Edited August 18, 2023 by ambr0zie

[Qcumbor]

Since @Octavius has already shown a Clodius Albinus denarius with Minerva reverse, of which I have the same, I will throw in my sole Pertinax denarius with Emperor sacrificing reverse. Not sure it's the most interesting ever, but at least it has a decent reverse, while we often have to compose with crude reverses when it comes to those rare emperors

Pertinax, Denarius - Rome mint, 193 CE
IMP CAES P HELV PERTIN AVG, laureate head right
VOT DECEN TR P COS II, emperor sacrificing left, with patera held over tripod altar
2.98 gr, 17 mm
Ref : RIC # 13a, Cohen # 56, RCV # 6048
Ex Harlan J. Berk

Q