© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Gordian III P M TR P II COS P P; Virtus
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#280753 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Virtus, helmeted, in military attire, standing front, head left, resting right hand on oval shield set on ground and holding vertical spear 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: 4.62–5.18 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 coin is that it features the image of the Roman goddess Virtus on its reverse side. Virtus was the goddess of virtue, courage, and strength, and was often depicted holding a spear and a shield. The inclusion of Virtus on the coin may have been a nod to the values that Gordian III sought to promote during his reign, which included military prowess and moral integrity.
