© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Gordian III P M TR P III COS P P
240 year| Silver | 4.1 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Gordian III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus) (238-244) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 240 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.1 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280800 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 87% |
Reverse
Gordian III, veiled, togate, standing front, head left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over altar and holding wand in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P III COS P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Tertia, Consul, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the third time, consul, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.71–5.138 g;Diameter varies: 21.5–23 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 economic turmoil in the Roman Empire. The coin was minted in 240 AD, during a period of hyperinflation caused by the excessive issuance of currency by the Roman government to fund its military campaigns and public works projects. As a result, the value of the coin's silver content was significantly higher than its face value, making it an attractive target for hoarding and melting down for its precious metal content. Despite this, the coin remains a popular collector's item today due to its historical significance and rarity.
