CRISPINA
Wife of Commodus

Augusta: 178-182 A.D.

BRVTTIA CRISPINA, the daughter of Lucius Fulvius Bruttius Praesens (of senatorial stock), was hastily chosen by Marcus Aurelius as a bride for his son Commodus in 178 shortly before they set out for the Danubian front. She was intended to counter some of the disturbing traits he had seen in his son, but unfortunately her character was not much better. After Aurelius died in 180, Commodus began an open affair with his sister Lucilla, which Crispina stopped and Lucilla was exiled to Capri in 182. Crispina was caught in adultery later in 182 and also sent to Capri, where both women were murdered in 183. (From MONETA, available from www.numus.com)

The Denarii


Silver Denarius (17.8mm, 3.34gr) Struck 178-180 A.D. in Rome

Obv: CRISPINA AVG Crispina, her draped bust right

Rev: CONCORDIA Clasped hands

RIC 279 (Commodus), RSC 9, Sear 5997   

Tom Mullally Collection

Silver Denarius (18mm, 3.05gr) Struck 180-182 A.D. in Rome

Obv: CRISPINA AVGVSTA. Crispina, her draped bust right.

Rev: HILARITAS. Hilaritas standing front, head left, holding long palm and cornucopiae.

RIC 282 (Commodus), RSC 18, Sear 6000

Mark Lehman Collection

Silver Denarius (17.9mm, 3.05gr) Struck 180-182 A.D. in Rome

Obv: CRISPINA AVGVSTA Crispina, her draped bust right

Rev: VENVS Venus standing facing, head left, holding apple and drawing up fold of drapery on left shoulder

RIC 286a (Commodus), RSC 35, Sear 6002   

Tom Mullally Collection

Silver Denarius (18mm, 3.11gr) Struck 180-182 A.D. in Rome

Obv: CRISPINA AVGVSTA Crispina, her draped bust right

Rev: VENVS Venus standing facing, head left, holding apple and drawing up fold of drapery on left shoulder

RIC 286a (Commodus), RSC 35, Sear 6002  

Bob Rinaldi Collection 

The Asses

AE As (24mm, 11.95gr) Struck 180-182 A.D. in Rome

Obv: CRISPINA AVGVSTA. Crispina, her draped bust right.

Rev: IVNO LVCINA S - C. Juno standing left holding patera and scepter.

RIC 680 (Commodus), Cohen 24, Sear 6018

Mark Lehman Collection