© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Gordian III LIBERALITAS AVG II; Liberalitas
240 year| Gold | 4.9 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Gordian III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus) (238-244) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 240 |
| Value | Aureus (25⁄2) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.9 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280789 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Liberalitas, draped, standing front, head left, holding abacus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: LIBERALITAS AVG II
Translation:
Liberatlitas Augusti Secunda.
Second liberality of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Mass varies: 4.76–4.95 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 Aureus - Gordian III (LIBERALITAS AVG II; Liberalitas) coin is that it features a unique reverse design, depicting the personification of Liberalitas, or "Liberality," which was a virtue highly valued in ancient Rome. The image of Liberalitas on the coin is shown holding a libation bowl and pouring coins from a money bag, symbolizing the generosity and abundance that the Roman Empire sought to promote. This design was meant to convey the message that the Roman Empire was a place of prosperity and generosity, where the wealth of the empire was shared among its citizens.
