Antoninianus - Gordian III P M TR P II COS P P; Mars
239 year| Silver | 4.7 g | 21 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 | 4.7 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280756 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, in military attire, standing front, head right, right foot drawn back to left, holding transverse spear in right hand and round whiled in left 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
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin featuring Gordian III (239 AD) was part of a series of coins issued during his reign that depicted various Roman deities, in this case, Mars, the god of war. This coin series was an attempt to promote the idea of the Roman Empire as a divine institution, with the emperor as the divine ruler appointed by the gods. The coin's design, with Mars standing on the reverse and the emperor's image on the obverse, symbolized the emperor's role as the protector and defender of the empire, with the divine blessing of Mars.