© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Gordian III P M TR P II COS P P; Jupiter
239 year| Silver | 4.4 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Gordian III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus) (238-244) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 239 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.4 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280744 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Jupiter, nude except for cloak on shoulders, standing front, head left, holding vertical sceptre in left hand and thunderbolt in right hand over Gordian III, togate, standing left and raising right hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P II COS P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Secunda, Consul, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the second time, consul, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.68–4.87 g;Diameter varies: 21–23 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin , which features Gordian III and Jupiter, was minted during a time of great economic and political turmoil in the Roman Empire. The coin's silver content was actually decreased during Gordian III's reign, from 4.4 grams to 3.4 grams, in an attempt to address the empire's financial struggles. Despite this, the coin remained an important symbol of Roman power and influence, and its design featuring Jupiter, the king of the gods, was meant to convey the idea of Roman supremacy.
