© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Gordian III VIRTVS AVG; Virtus
240 year| Gold | 4.9 g | - |
| 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 |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280772 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Virtus, helmeted, in military attire, standing front, head left, holding branch in right hand and spear in left hand; against right side, shield resting.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVS AVG
Translation:
Virtus Augusti.
Courage of the emperor.
Comment
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 (VIRTVS AVG; Virtus) coin is that it features a unique blend of Roman and Greek influences in its design. The obverse side of the coin depicts the emperor Gordian III with a radiate crown, a symbol of Roman imperial power, while the reverse side features the goddess Virtus, who was revered in both Roman and Greek mythology, holding a spear and a shield. This blending of cultural influences reflects the diverse heritage of the Roman Empire during this time period.
