New buy commodus hercules denarius

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I did reply and not in place for edit lol

 

I really see nothing about the OP coin that looks like a fourree. There are many styles of Commodus portraits. Below is my favorite but it is far from typical.

 

Wow, that's a stupendous Commodus portrait!

 

Bullseye => stupendous is an awesome word (I'm gonna use that more often) ...

 

It seems wrong to use a 'cute' Commodus.


The one below is the rare one. Other than Martin, who knows why?

 

=> stupendous!! (nailed it!!)

 

I think the "Martin" hint gives it away, Doug.

 

Nice coins everyone!
Another interesting fact of Commodus, is that he was the very first roman emperor to be 'born in the purple' while his father was still reigning. In the 82 years previous to his ascension the emperors were chosen based on merit, or at least expectations. And prior to that there was only Titus and Domitian who were natural born sons, but both were already grown by the time their father Vespasion became emperor. And even the emperors who were adopted sons before them were grown when chosen as successor's.

 

Commodus was first but did not turn out so well. Who would like to nominate a later ruler both born to the purple and who ruled successfully if not well or well if not successfully. Both?

 

Thanks all, great post all

 

@dougsmit, yes Commodus's reign definitely did not turn out well and really the nepotistic form of picking a successor really did not work out very well. Which, as far as Marcus Aurelius' reign is concerned, I would consider one of his poorest decisions in that he returned to it after decades of typically well appointed rulers. Though I'm sure bloodshed would've occurred at some point if he chose to pass over his son. But as far as the question I would probably say the next may be Constantine VII during the Byzantine era. Who was actually literally born in the purple room even.

 

I am resurrecting this old thread only because I purchased a like coin to the OP's. I got it back in March and it is the last of a group of coins I purchased during my March Madness. It was a coin thrown in to sweeten the pot, and, as you can see, it's not in the best of condition. But as Steve always says, every coin needs lovin. Even the one's in poor condition like this.

COMMODUS
AR Denarius
OBVERSE: L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL, laureate head right
REVERSE: HERCVLI ROMANO AVG, Hercules standing front, head left, crowning trophy, holding lion skin & club
Struck at Rome, 192 AD
3.22g, 18mm
RIC 254a, Cohen 202, BMC 346A

 

Nice one