Antoninianus - Gordian III (P M TR P III COS II P P; Apollo) (241-243) front Antoninianus - Gordian III (P M TR P III COS II P P; Apollo) (241-243) back
Antoninianus - Gordian III (P M TR P III COS II P P; Apollo) (241-243) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Antoninianus - Gordian III P M TR P III COS II P P; Apollo

 
Silver 4.1 g 23 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Gordian III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus) (238-244)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
241-243
Value
Antoninianus (1)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Weight
4.1 g
Diameter
23 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#280818
Rarity index
91%

Reverse

Apollo, nude to waist, seated left, holding branch in extended right hand and resting left elbow on lyre.

Script: Latin

Lettering: P M TR P III COS II P P

Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Tertia, Consul Secundum, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the third time, consul for the second time, father of the nation.

Comment

Mass varies: 2.17–6.11 g;
Diameter varies: 22.46–23.5 mm;

Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Apollo, the Greek god of the sun, music, poetry, and prophecy, on its reverse side. This suggests that the Roman Empire, which was known for its military conquests and political power, also placed a significant value on art, culture, and religion. The inclusion of Apollo's image on the coin may have been a way for the Roman Empire to promote its cultural influence and showcase its connection to Greek mythology.