Kyzikos (AD 177-192) AE 43 - Commodus

Commodus, 177-192 AD. AE43 - Medallion (41.04g, 6h). T. Aelius Eteoneus, archon. Struck circa AD 191-192. AV KAI Λ M AV KOMMOΔOC ANT CЄB ЄVC ЄVT POMAIOC HPAKΛHC, laureate bust right, with lion’s skin tied around neck, club over shoulder / ЄΠI APX T AIΛ ETEΩNEΩC KVZIKHNΩN NЄΩK, Artemis advancing right, holding torch in each hand; altar to right. Good VF, green patina, some smoothing. Very rare.

Over the later part of Commodus’ reign, numerous events suggest the emperor was becoming mentally ill. Commodus thought of himself as the reincarnation of Hercules, even dressing as the hero at gladiatorial events.