Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ Medallion (38mm, 47.93 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 191-192. VF.

Triton XXVII
Lot: 794. Estimated: $ 5 000

Roman Imperial, Bronze, Coin-in-Hand Video

Sold For $ 9 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ Medallion (38mm, 47.93 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 191-192. L AELIVS AVRELIVS COM MODVS AVG PIVS FELIX, jugate heads right of Commodus, laureate, draped, and cuirassed and female (Roma, Minerva, or Marcia?), cuirassed and wearing crested helmet / TEMPORVM FE/LICITAS in two lines in exergue, the Four Seasons, dancing and showing their attributes: from left to right, Spring carries a basin on his head, Summer holds a sickle in right hand above his head, Autumn holds a hare and a tray full of fruit, Winter wears a hood over his head and holds a bird which he has just captured, probably a wild duck. Gnecchi II, p. 67, 137, pl. 87, 4 corr. (obv. legend); MIR 18, 1157-1; Banti (Commodus and Marcia) 9 (this coin); Froehner p.140. Green and brown patina, smoothing, minor pitting. VF. Extremely rare.

From the Libertas Collection. Ex Hess-Leu 49 (27 April 1971), lot 389.

The obverse of this massive medallion has a martial look, showing the armored bust of Commodus conjoined with that of a helmeted and cuirassed goddess, likely Roma or Minerva. But the overall theme is essentially peaceful: The passing of seasons from one to the next, and the overall happiness of the age (TEMPORVM FELICITAS). Surprisingly, the twelve years of Commodus’ sole rule were relatively peaceful despite his neglect of the frontiers.

The final winners of all Triton XXVII lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 9-10 January 2024.

Triton XXVII – Session Three – Lot 648–983 will be held Wednesday morning, 10 January 2024 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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