★ A rare aureus of Commodus with a lovely early portrait ★

Commodus, 177-192. Aureus (Gold, 20 mm, 7.30 g, 1 h), Rome, 181. •M•COMMODVS ANTONINVS AVG Laureate and cuirassed bust of Commodus to right, seen from behind. Rev. SECVRITAS PVBLICA TR P VII IMP IIII / COS III P P Securitas seated right, holding scepter in her left hand and propping her head on her right. BMC 54 var. (differing bust type). Calicó 2326a ( same obverse die ). Cohen 700 var. (differing bust type). RIC 23e. Rare. A beautiful piece with a lovely early portrait. Struck from slightly worn dies, otherwise, about extremely fine.

From the collection of an Armenian businessman, ex Classical Numismatic Group 94, 18 September 2013, 1181.