medallion

Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience.

Object Type
Museum number: R.5054
Description: Copper alloy medallion. (whole); Bust of Commodus, laureate, draped and cuirassed, left. (obverse); Emperor standing left, sacrificing from patera over tripod at the foot of lighthouse at harbour entrance; at his feet, slain bull; behind the tripod, a priest. Approaching the harbour are, in the centre, a galley containing four soldiers with two standards; behind this is a vessel in full sail, [piloted by Jupiter Serapis in the stern and a smaller rowing boat below]. Above the inscription are another ship in full sail and another small rowing boat. (reverse)
State
Authority
Cultures/periods
Production date: 191
Production place: Minted in: Rome (city)
Materials
Dimensions: Die-axis: 12 o'clock; Diameter: 43.50 millimetres; Weight: 55.080 grammes
$Inscriptions
Curator's comments: This medallion is struck in two alloys, the rim being of a lighter colour.
Bibliographic references: BMCRM / Roman Medallions in the British Museum (46, p.30); Gnecchi 1912 Vol. II / I Medaglioni Romani: Volume Secondo: Bronzo (174, p.71)
Location: Not on display
Subjects: emperor/empress; harbour/port; boat/ship; lighthouse; sacrifice
Associated names
Department: Coins and Medals
Registration number: R.5054
C&M catalogue number: RM (BMCRM) (30) (46)

Free entry