© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Antoninianus - Gordian III VIRTVS AVG; Virtus
240 year| Silver | 4.4 g | 23 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 | 4.4 g |
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280787 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Virtus, helmeted, in military attire, standing front, head left, holding branch in right hand and spear in left hand; against right side, shield resting.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS AVG
Translation:
Virtus Augusti.
Courage of the emperor.
Comment
Mass varies: 4.07–5.436 g;Diameter varies: 22.5–23 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was introduced by the Roman Emperor Caracalla in 215 AD as a replacement for the denarius, which had been the standard Roman currency for over 400 years. The Antoninianus was made of silver and had a higher purity level than the denarius, which had been debased over time. The coin was named after Caracalla's adoptive father, Antoninus Pius, and it became the main currency of the Roman Empire for over a century.
