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The emperor
Gordien III
Grandson of Gordian I, raised to the throne at thirteen as the chaos of 238 subsided, Gordian III reigned six years under the guidance of his father-in-law, the prefect Timesitheus. The empire caught its breath, coinage flowed: his is the most accessible coinage of the century. He set out against Persia and died in 244 on the Euphrates, replaced by his prefect Philip.
This coin dates from the early years: a child emperor in the care of the Senate and then of Timesitheus, and a coinage that multiplies images of peace and fortune regained.
Gordian III
Antoninianus, mint of Rome, 6th officina. Billon, 450‰ fine, die axis 6 o'clock
ObverseIMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVGRadiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III right, seen from three quarters behind.
ReverseP M TR P II COS P PThe emperor, veiled and togate, standing left, holding a patera in his right hand and sacrificing over a lit tripod, a short sceptre in his left hand.
- Weight
- 4.48 g
- Diameter
- 23 mm
- Thickness
- –
- Die axis
- 6 h (dies opposed)
- Mint
- Rome
- Struck
- Fin 239
- Reference
- RIC 68, C 216, RSC 216, ROME 7/67
- Grade
- Good VF
Condition
Well centred; grey patina.
Provenance
French numismatic trade, 2026.
€55
