Commodus SPONSOR denarius unusual head direction

[timka]

Hi!

Please have a look at this denarius of Commodus with Hercules and Commodus himself on the reverse. It is not very common type, but it is not rare too - 4 in RD hoard, about 7 on acsearch. Interestingly, that all coins from acsearch and BM collection (2) have the head of Commodus turned right, towards Jupiter. I got the coin where his head is turned to left, so Commodus and Jupiter look in the same direction - just an interesting variation to share!  

ob. L AEL AVREL COMM AVG P FEL, laureate head right
rev. I O M SPONSOR SEC AVG, Commodus standing left, head left , holding globe and scepter; behind, Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt and placing hand on Commodus’ shoulder.

RIC 255 (R)

17x18mm - 2,25g - 1h

Thank you for your time.

Cheers,

Z.

[Pharsalos]

This sestertius issue has a similar design. Seems like Commodus grew up to be a real tall guy, even slightly taller than Jupiter himself.

[Pharsalos]

Actually there is one example of your reverse type on acsearch, but you will need to remove the word 'sponsor' to find it - it is a recent London Ancient Coins auction sale, October 2015. Appears to be a very scarce reverse type indeed.

[timka]

This sestertius issue has a similar design. Seems like Commodus grew up to be a real tall guy, even slightly taller than Jupiter himself.

... that is really funny that he is taller than Jupiter on denarius:)...I guess he was sure he was a God towards the end of his reign.

Thank you for showing this sestertius - gorgeous - I have never seen this type before!

...and yes, Im sure there are many more with 'left head' around. RIC did not specify the head direction for this type - so no one seems to care about this detail really:)...

thank you!

[Ronald]

 +++I like it