© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Aureus - Gordian III P M TR P VI COS II P P
| Gold | 5.1 g | 20.5 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 | 5.1 g |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280837 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Gordian III, in military attire, standing right, holding transverse spear in right hand and globe in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P VI COS II P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Sexta, Consul Secundum, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the sixth time, consul for the second time, father of the nation.
Comment
Example of this type:American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus coin of Gordian III is that it was issued during a time of great economic and political turmoil in the Roman Empire. The coin was minted in 241-243 AD, a period marked by civil wars, corruption, and external threats, which led to a significant decrease in the value of the Roman currency. Despite this, the Aureus remained a valuable and highly sought-after coin, made from gold and weighing 5.1 grams. Its design features the image of Gordian III, who was the Roman Emperor at the time, and the inscription "P M TR P VI COS II P P," which stands for "Pater Patriae, Tribunicia Potestate, VI Consul, Pater Pauperum" (Father of the Fatherland, Tribune, Sixth Consul, Father of the Poor). The coin's value and symbolism reflect the power and influence of the Roman Empire during this time, despite the challenges it faced.
