© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Antoninianus - Gordian III P M TRI P CON P P
| Silver | 4.2 g | 23 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 | 4.2 g |
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280900 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Gordian III, veiled, togate, standing left, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over altar and holding sceptre in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TRI P CON P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.85–4.594 g;Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum
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 and political turmoil in the Roman Empire. The coin was minted in 238-239 AD, during Gordian III's reign, which lasted from 238 to 244 AD. This period saw a significant increase in inflation, and the value of the Roman currency, the denarius, had decreased significantly. As a result, the Antoninianus was introduced as a new currency to replace the denarius, with a higher silver content and a lower purchasing power. Despite these efforts, the Roman economy continued to struggle, and the empire faced numerous challenges, including invasions by barbarian tribes and internal political instability.
