Commodus' reign (AD 180–192) is often seen as a pivotal moment marking the Roman Empire’s decline. Succeeding his father, the esteemed "Philosopher Emperor" Marcus Aurelius, Commodus was the first emperor born "in the purple" and was made co-Augustus in AD 177. While Marcus Aurelius focused on military campaigns and governance, Commodus abandoned these efforts upon his father’s death in AD 180, negotiating peace with the Germans and retreating from expansionist ambitions. In Rome, he indulged in personal pleasures while delegating authority to corrupt favorites who exploited the empire's resources. Though he continued the debasement of silver coinage initiated by his father, Commodus maintained the high quality of gold coinage, as reflected in the artistry of his aurei, which often presented him as a youthful and handsome figure, akin to his father.

One critical episode of Commodus’ rule was the downfall of Sextus Tigidius Perennis, the Praetorian Prefect who had effectively governed the empire from AD 180 to 185. Perennis was accused of plotting to overthrow the emperor after soldiers from Britannia presented evidence that he had struck coins bearing his likeness. Commodus ordered the execution of both Perennis and his son, who had reportedly distributed these coins. This episode illustrates Commodus’ increasing reliance on the loyalty of the military, as well as the pervasive instability and factionalism within the empire under his reign.

In response to the crisis, Commodus issued a coin series appealing to the army’s unity and loyalty. These coins symbolized his dependence on military support following Perennis' execution and reflected his efforts to suppress internal divisions within the ranks. The episode highlights broader tensions during Commodus' reign, including his preference for appeasing the military while neglecting broader governance, ultimately exacerbating the empire's fragility and contributing to its gradual decline.

Commodus (AD 177-192). AV aureus (21mm, 7.22 gm, 1h). NGC AU★ 5/5 - 4/5. Rome, AD 184-185. M•COMM•ANT•AVG-P•BRIT•FEL, laureate, draped bust of Commodus right, seen from behind / P M•TR P X•IM-P VII-COS IIII P•P, Commodus, in military dress, standing facing on platform, head left, scepter in left hand, right hand raised, addressing three soldiers standing right at left, each with scutum, aquila, and parazonium; FID•EXERC in exergue. RIC III 110b. Calicó 2250 (this coin).

Ex Paramount Collection (Heritage Auctions, Auction 3096, 25 March 2021), lot 30057; Numismatica Ars Classica, Auction 24 (5 December 2002), lot 118; Numismatica Ars Classica, Auction 11 (29 April 1998), lot 459; Gilbert Steinberg Collection (Numismatica Ars Classica and Spink-Taisei, Auction, 16 November 1994), lot 505; Ex. Léo Biaggi de Blasys, 986; Ex. Conte A. Magnaguti, Santamaria (26 June 1950), lot 111; Ex. Munz Basel 8, 1937, lot 828