Commodus Denarius Ancient Roman Empire Silver Coin 181AD RIC 32

Obverse: M COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG, Head of Commodus, laureate, right
Reverse: TR P VII IMP IIII COS III P P, Providentia, draped, standing left, holding wand in right hand over globe, set on ground, and sceptre in left hand
Date: c. 181-182 A.D.
ID: RIC III Commodus 32
Size: 17mm diameter, 2.78g weight
Composition: Silver

Providentia was the Roman goddess of foresight and making provision.

After the death of his father, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, in 180 AD, Commodus became sole emperor at the age of 18. He initially enjoyed popular support but soon proved to be an erratic and unstable ruler. Commodus was known for his love of gladiatorial games and his fascination with his own physical prowess, considering himself a modern-day Hercules. He often appeared in the arena to fight as a gladiator (in staged matches), engaged in excessive spending on public works projects and lavished gifts on his supporters. He passed a law renaming each of the twelve calendar months to one of his many names, and even renamed the Roman people to "Commodianus." 

Commodus' rule was marked by corruption, incompetence, and various court intrigues and conspiracies. In 192 AD, a group of conspirators led by the head of the Praetorian Guard, and Commodus' own mistress, Marcia, plotted to assassinate him. Commodus was first poisoned, but after vomiting up the poison was then strangled to death by his former wrestling partner. Upon his death, the Roman Senate declared him a public enemy, tearing down his statues and erasing his name from the imperial records.