© pimmy (CC BY-NC-SA)
© pimmy (CC BY-NC-SA)
Antoninianus - Gordian III VIRTVS AVG; Virtus
240 year| Silver | 4.1 g | 22.5 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 | 22.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280802 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 85% |
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
Unabridged legend: Virtus Augusti.
Translation: Courage of the emperor.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.5–5.663 g;Diameter varies: 21–24 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, just a few years before the Empire's economy began to collapse due to a combination of inflation, debasement of the currency, and external pressures. Despite these challenges, the coin remains a testament to the enduring legacy of Roman currency and the importance of virtus, or virtue, which was a core value of Roman society.
