Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ Bimetallic Medallion (38mm, 55.70 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck AD 189-190. VF.

Keystone 17 – The W. Toliver Besson Collection
Lot: 251. Estimated: $ 6 000

Roman Imperial, Bronze

Sold For $ 12 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Commodus. AD 177-192. Æ Bimetallic Medallion (38mm, 55.70 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck AD 189-190. [M COMMODVS ANTO]NINVS PIVS FELIX AVG BRIT, laureate and cuirassed bust right / VOTIS FELICIBVS, Commodus and another figure sacrificing at a tripod altar in the harbor of Ostia, below them a slain bull and a patera, behind them a lighthouse, while two grain ships sail into the harbor, one of them piloted by Serapis, and two smaller ships row out to meet the grain ships. Gnecchi II, p. 71, 172; MIR 18, 1139-1/31; Banti 521. Light brown patina, areas of corrosion. VF. Bold details on reverse. Very rare.

From the W. Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Künker 419 (17 March 2025), lot 491; Künker 273 (14 March 2016), lot 811; Virgil M. Brand (†1926) Collection (Part 1, Sotheby’s, 1 July 1982), lot 109.

A reoccurrence of the Antonine Plague of the late 2nd Century struck Rome in AD 189 during the reign of Commodus. During this bout of the outbreak, a grain shortage occurred and a riot broke out among the Roman populace during the races at the Circus Maximus. The rioters blamed the powerful Praetorian Prefect, Marcus Aurelius Cleander, and marched on Commodus’ residence in the Quintilian suburb to have their grievances heard. Commodus acquiesced to the mob’s demands and had Cleander and his son executed. Cassius Dio recounts the episode in his Historia Romana (LXXIII.13.1-6)

With the immediate crisis averted, Commodus sought to ameliorate the grain situation. To this end he took vows to Neptune for safe passage of the next shipment of Egyptian grain (commemorated on another contemporary medallion). This very rare medallion offered here likewise recounts this episode. Its legend, VOTIS FELICIBVS (with joyful/happiest vows), recounts the answered prayers. The medallion’s design depicts Commodus at the port of Ostia witnessing the arrival of the Egyptian grain ships (piloted by Serapis). Thus, the crisis was resolved and duly commemorated on these very rare medallions.

Closing Date and Time: 22 July 2026 at 11:23:20 ET.



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