Lot 2223

Description

Commodus, (A.D. 177-192), silver denarius, Rome mint, issued A.D. 191-2, (2.395 grams), obv. head of Commodus to right wearing lion skin, around L AEL AVREL [COMM AVG] P FEL K, rev. in four lines HERCVL ROMAN AVGV, club, all within laurel wreath, (S.1620a [£150], RIC 251, RSC 190, BMC 339). Small flan as usual, unevenly toned, good fine and rare.

Commodus identified closely with the mythical hero Hercules. During certain of his megalomaniacal charades the emperor would dress in costume and bludgeon prisoners to death with his 'Herculean' club.