Commodus AE Medallion

AE Commodus Medallion 177-192 A.D. (38.15g) Rome, 185 AD O: M COMMODVS ANTONI--NVS AVG PIVS BRIT Bust laureate, cuirassed r. Gnecchi-75 pl. 83.3 (same dies), C-474 (500 Fr.) R: [P M T]R P X IMP VII COS IIII P P Genius Saeculi standing r. holding scepter and large zodiac, through which four female figures representing the Four Seasons are proceeding. First comes Spring holding a basket, second Summer holding a sickle, third Autumn holding a bunch of grapes, and finally Winter, hooded and carrying a reed over her shoulder. On r., a putto with cornucopia on shoulder walks l. toward Genius Saeculi and the Seasons. Coins were a favorite Roman New Year's gift, and the imperial titles on Roman medallions prove that most of them were indeed struck at the beginning of the year, doubtless for distribution as New Year's gifts. This attractive reverse type seems to promise that the passage of the seasons will bring prosperity, a traditional New Year's good wish. G: “Magnificent and very interesting medallion. Important and worthy of the finest collection. Some slight smoothing in the field. Green patination with some red. EF/VF” S: Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. Bought from Harlan at the shop after 106th B/B Sale.