Obverse: M COMMODVS ANTON AVG PIVS BRIT, laureate head facing right.

Reverse: P M TR P X IMP VII COS IIII P P, Victory seated right on shields, holding long stylus, preparing to inscribe shield set on knee; S-C across fields; VICT BRIT in exergue.

RIC: 452. Sear: 5826. BMCRE: 560. [Rome, AD 185].

Diameter: 29 mm. Weight: 17.3 g.

A rare brass sestertius of Commodus in excellent condition with an important and historically important reverse type which refers to a significant military campaign conducted in Northern Britain. In the last months of Marcus Aurelius's life there was a serious incursion by the northern tribes into the province of Britannia, Hadrian's wall was overrun and possibly even the governor himself lost in battle. A new governor, Ulpius Marcellus, was sent and re-advanced the Roman frontier up to the Antonine Wall. This represented a major victory for Commodus but not without intrigue. The legionaries in Britain revolted against Marcellus' harsh discipline and acclaimed the legate Priscus emperor. Priscus refused the acclamation but still all the legionary commanders in Britain were dismissed by Rome. Ulpius Marcellus was himself replaced as governor, brought to Rome and tried for treason, narrowly escaping death. A fantastic example of a rare and desirable coin with an attractive dark green patina.