© British Museum
© British Museum
Aureus - Gordian III P M TR P II COS P P; Providentia
239 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 | 239 |
| 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#280751 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Providentia, draped, standing front, head left, holding globe in extended right hand and transverse sceptre in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P II COS P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Secunda, Consul, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the second time, consul, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 4.67–5.08 g;Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus - Gordian III coin is that it features the image of Providentia, the Roman goddess of foresight and forward planning, on its reverse side. This suggests that the coin was minted during a time when the Roman Empire was focused on planning and preparing for the future, perhaps in response to the challenges and uncertainties of the 3rd century AD.
