© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Gordian III FIDES MILITVM; Fides
| Silver | 4.6 g | 22.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Gordian III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus) (238-244) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 238-239 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.6 g |
| Diameter | 22.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280729 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 87% |
Reverse
Fides, draped, standing front, head left, holding vertical standard in right hand and transverse sceptre in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: FIDES MILITVM
Translation:
Fides Militum.
Loyalty of the soldiers.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.564–5.42 g;Diameter varies: 21–24 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Antoninianus coin featuring Gordian III is that it was issued during a time of great turmoil in the Roman Empire. Gordian III was the last Roman Emperor to issue coins with the legend "FIDES MILITVM" (Faith of the Soldiers), which suggests that he was trying to emphasize the importance of the military's loyalty and support during a period of political instability. Additionally, the coin's silver content and relatively low weight suggest that it may have been issued as a way to address economic issues and inflation, which were significant concerns during Gordian III's reign.
