© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Gordian III LAETITIA AVG N; Laetitia
| Gold | 4.7 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Gordian III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus) (238-244) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 241-243 |
| Value | Aureus (25⁄2) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.7 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280831 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Laetitia, draped, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and anchor set on ground in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: LAETITIA AVG N
Unabridged legend: Laetitia Augusti Nostri
Translation: Joy of our emperor (Augustus)
Comment
Biaggi 1359; Mazzini 119.
Mass varies: 4.03–5.12 g;
Diameter varies: 20–20.5 mm;
Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Aureus coin was used as a means of payment for high-value transactions, and it was also used as a symbol of wealth and power. In fact, the Aureus was the highest denomination coin in the Roman Empire and was worth 25 silver denarii. Its value was so high that it was often used as a form of currency for international trade.
