265, Lot: 376. Estimate $150. Sold for $110. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Commodus. AD 177-192. AR Denarius (17mm, 2.76 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 191-192. Head right, wearing lion skin / Legend in three lines divided by club upright, all within wreath. RIC III 251; RSC 190. VF, flan cracks and striking weakness.

Attempting to separate himself with the philosophic nature of his father, Marcus Aurelius, and display his physical prowess, Commodus adopted the attire and persona of Hercules, believing himself to be the reincarnation of that deity. He would appear in the arena to fight not only other gladiators, but a variety of wild animals as well. Throughout his rule, Hercules was his symbol as the protector of the empire.