Commodus Bronze Dupondius, RIC III Commodus 456

Monetary Context and Denominational Function

In the imperial Roman monetary system, the dupondius occupied a vital intermediate position as a medium base-metal denomination. Valued at two asses, eight dupondii constituted one silver denarius, and two dupondii equaled one large bronze sestertius. Originally struck from yellow brass (orichalcum) with a distinct zinc content, the dupondius was designed to circulate side by side with the copper as of nearly identical diameter. Under Nero, the imperial mint standardized the radiate crown as the defining visual attribute of the emperor on the dupondius, preventing transactional confusion between the two similarly sized denominations even when orichalcum patinated in circulation. By the later Antonine period, metallurgic variations occurred as recycling of scrap brass became prevalent, reducing the zinc ratio relative to the early empire. Nevertheless, dupondii like RIC III Commodus 456 functioned as workhorse coins in day-to-day retail trade, army allowances, and market exchange throughout the empire.

Production Standards and Minting

RIC III Commodus 456 was produced exclusively at the central imperial mint in Rome. Bronze coinage under Commodus remained under the constitutional authority of the Senate in formula, indicated by the standard abbreviation S C (Senatus Consulto) on the reverse, though operating under direct imperial administrative oversight. Die production was carried out by experienced engravers working within established officinae. Typical Antonine dupondii were struck on cast flans with an average weight standard fluctuating between 10 and 13 grams, and flan diameters spanning 24 to 26 millimeters, though broad metallurgical tolerances meant individual specimens could range higher or lower. The striking was conducted with hinged or guided iron dies using heavy manual hammers, creating the characteristic medal or coin alignment typical of the Rome mint in this period.

Obverse Iconography

The obverse features the right-facing head of Commodus crowned with the radiate solar crown, indicating the denomination. Engraved during the emperor's mid-twenties, the portrait displays mature Antonine stylistic conventions: curly hair rendered in distinct drilled clusters, a full beard, and an idealized yet recognizable imperial physiognomy inherited from the portraiture of Marcus Aurelius. The radiate spikes project upward and outward across the top and back of the head. The imperial bust is typically truncated cleanly at the neck. The legend surrounds the portrait within a beaded outer border, reinforcing Commodus's dynastic lineage and victorious status.

Reverse Iconography and Symbolism

The reverse iconography depicts the emperor as religious leader performing a ritual sacrifice. Commodus stands togate and veiled (capite velato) facing left. In his extended right hand, he holds a patera, pouring a liquid offering or incense onto an upright tripod altar standing before him, while his left arm rests comfortably at his side or gathers the folds of his ceremonial toga. Flanking the lower central scene are the large letters S and C. This motif conveys pietas, religious rectitude, and the fulfillment of civic contract between princeps, state, and gods. By officiating at the altar, the emperor embodies the role of Pontifex Maximus and chief intermediary for the Roman populace, solemnizing the vows pledged for his continued well-being.

Epigraphy and Titulature

The obverse legend reads M COMM ANTON AVG PIVS BRIT, abbreviating 'Marcus Commodus Antoninus Augustus Pius Britannicus'. The inclusion of BRIT dates the issue to the period following the successful British campaigns of AD 184 led by Ulpius Marcellus, celebrating the pacification of the northern frontier. The reverse legend is an expansive administrative and votive statement: VOT SVSC DEC P M TR P X IMP VII COS IIII P P S C. This expands to 'Votis Susceptis Decennalibus, Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate decima, Imperator septimum, Consul quartum, Pater Patriae, Senatus Consulto'. The phrase VOT SVSC DEC announces the formal undertaking of decennial vows, promising sacred obligations to the deities on the threshold of a ten-year benchmark. The accompanying administrative titles firmly establish the issue's chronological anchors.

Typology and Chronological Classification

The dating of RIC III Commodus 456 is precisely bounded by the recorded tribunician power and imperial acclamation. Commodus renewed his tribunician power annually around December; TR P X spans late AD 184 through late AD 185. His seventh acclamation as Imperator (IMP VII) was assumed in AD 184 following the victory in Britain, while his fourth ordinary consulship (COS IIII) had commenced on 1 January AD 183 and remained unchanged until AD 186. The undertaking of decennial vows (Vota Decennalia) around AD 184 to 185 aligns with the tenth year of his tribunician authority and his elevation to Augustus in AD 177, or retroactively from his Caesarship in AD 166. In RIC III, this type is catalogued as number 456 under the middle bronze series, parallel to companion strikes in sestertii and asses bearing identical or closely related votive themes.

Circulation, Deposition, and Wear

Dupondii minted in Rome circulated widely across the western provinces of the empire, including Italy, Gaul, the Rhineland, the Danube, and Britain. Archaeological hoard evidence from the late Antonine and Severan eras indicates that bronze coins of Commodus were heavily integrated into provincial monetization pools. Due to chronic shortages of new bronze supply in subsequent decades, base-metal pieces from the 180s AD frequently stayed in circulation for multiple generations, often surviving until the mid-third-century monetary crises. As a result of extensive handling, surviving specimens often exhibit considerable wear, softening fine details such as the patera, the tripod legs, and the radiate crown spikes, while developing green, brown, or variegated patinas characteristic of prolonged burial in aerobic soils.

References

1. Online Coins of the Roman Empire: RIC III Commodus 456. Type ric.3.com.456
2. The Roman Imperial Coinage, Vol. III: Antoninus Pius to Commodus. p. 417, no. 456
3. Die Münzprägung des Kaisers Commodus (Moneta Imperii Romani 18). MIR 18, 1980