Aureus - Gordian III FELICIT TEMPOR; Felicitas
| Gold | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Gordian III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus) (238-244) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 243-244 |
| Value | Aureus (25⁄2) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280888 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding long caduceus in right hand and cornucopiae.
Script: Latin
Lettering: FELICIT TEMPOR
Translation:
Felicitas Temporum.
Fortunate times.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Aureus coin bearing the image of Gordian III and the inscription "FELICIT TEMPOR" (meaning "good times") was issued during a time of great turmoil in the Roman Empire. Despite the coin's optimistic message, Gordian III's reign was marked by constant wars, political instability, and economic difficulties. In fact, the coin was issued just a few years before Gordian III's death in 244 AD, which marked the end of the "Crisis of the Third Century" - a period of political instability and external threats that lasted for over 50 years. Despite all this, the coin remains a valuable piece of history and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire.
