2018-01-09 Tue

This gold coin is an early Indian imitation of the gold Aureus of Emperor Commodus, it was sold of INR 1,00,000 by Classical Numismatic Gallery in 2017.

Emperor Commodus ruled the Roman Empire as a joint ruler with his father from 177 to 180 CE and as a sole ruler from 180 to 192 CE. His assassination provoked civil discord that put an end the 84 years of peace his father and grandfather achieved. Commodus was the first Emperor to succeed his father (Marcus Aurelius), as Emperor Marcus was adopted by Emperor Antoninus Pius.

This above-shown denomination depicts a laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of the Emperor in the centre facing right within the divided legend ‘M COMM ANT P FEL AVG BRIT P P’. The reverse of this coin depicts winged caduceus between crossed cornucopias in the centre within the continuous legend ‘TEMP FELIC P M TR P XV IMP VIII COS VI’.

The weight of this coin is around 7.31g, it is a very interesting specimen. It is imitated from the original coins of Rome which came to India through trade. Many of such imitated coins are found in the Indian peninsula which throws a new light on similar ancient coins.

To know more about Roman coins click here.