Medallion - Commodus Providentia

Reverse

Emperor Commodus, standing, facing left, making offering with patera (broad bowl) on altar. Two soldiers standing to the right behind, one holding spear and shield. Soldier standing to the left, holding spear. Two trees in the background.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
P F VII IMP IIII COS III PP
PROVIDENTIA
DEORVM

Comment

Apart from normal coinage intended for general circulation, Roman emperors struck large medallions intended as awards of merit or distinctions handed out to foreign dignitaries, high-ranking government and military officials on important occasions, often to mark the beginning of a new year.