Commodus augustus, 177 – 192.
Central disc of a bi-metallic medallion 184-185, AR 25 mm, 24.60 g. [M COMMODVS ANTO – NINVS AVG PIVS BRIT] Laureate and draped bust r. Rev. [P – M TR P X IMP – VII COS III – P P] Jupiter enthroned facing, holding thunderbolt and sceptre; at his sides, the Dioscuri, naked but for cloak, each holding spear and horse by the bridle. At base of throne, eagle. C –, cf. 473 (Bronze). Gnecchi –, cf. 74 (Bronze)Unique and unrecorded in silver. A historical and numismatically important piece.
An insignificant area of weakness on reverse and minor encrustation
on obverse, otherwise about very fine / good very fine

Privately purchased from Spink & Son in December 2000.
Medallion production was very popular under Commodus. Under his empire we have, by far, the largest production of these fascinating coins; bi-metallic ones being no exception. This silver-centre is not only unique for Commodus but for the entire bi-metallic production which makes it a piece of great historical interest. We tried to study the edge to identify the material of the exterior disc but unfortunately we were unable to come to a conclusion and while it would be fascinating to think it could have been made of gold, it was most probably bronze. In any case this remains an incredibly important presentation piece and there’s no doubt its production was intended for a very special purpose.