Bithynia, Nicaea, Commodus, AE, 177-192 AD – Altar – RR

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SKU: R11.19 Categories: ,
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Description

Roman Provincial, Bithynia, Nicaea, Commodus, AE (bronze, 2.43g, 16mm), 177-192 AD
Obv: [Īœ Ī‘Ī„ ĪšOĪœ] Ī‘ĪĪ¤Ī©[Ī..](?); laureate head of Commodus right
Rev: ĪĪ™ĪšĪ‘Ī™ĘĪ©Ī; serpent-entwined altar
Ref:Ā  RPC online 10650 (var.) Rarity/Choice: Scarce, VF (nice dark green patina)
Note: Commodus was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 177 to 192. His reign was marked by significant internal strife and debauchery, contrasting sharply with the stability of the preceding Antonine dynasty. During Commodus’ reign, Nicaea, like many other cities in the Roman Empire, minted its own coinage to facilitate local trade and commerce. This period saw varying degrees of stability and unrest, depending on the region and local governance.Ā  The obverse features a laureate head of Commodus facing right. The laurel wreath symbolizes victory and imperial authority, typical of Roman coinage portraits. The reverse depicts a serpent-entwined altar. This symbolizes a local religious or civic aspect important to the city of Nicaea. Serpents were often associated with healing and protection in ancient Roman and Greek religious contexts.

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