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Silver Denarius of Emperor Commodus
Roman Empire
Circa 177–192 AD
This silver denarius was issued during the reign of Emperor Commodus, son of Marcus Aurelius and the last ruler of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. The obverse features a laureate portrait of Commodus, reflecting imperial authority and continuity of the Antonine tradition. The reverse bears a Latin inscription arranged in lines, a style common to late 2nd-century Roman coinage, emphasizing imperial titles and legitimacy. Commodus’ reign marked a significant turning point in Roman history, characterized by political instability and a departure from the disciplined governance of his predecessors. Coins of this period are important historical documents illustrating the transition toward the later imperial era.
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