© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Denarius - Gordian III P M TR P III COS II P P; Apollo
| Silver | 3 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 | Denarius (½) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3 g |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280844 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 89% |
Reverse
Apollo, nude to waist, seated left, holding branch in extended right hand and resting left elbow on lyre.
Script: Latin
Lettering: P M TR P III COS II P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Tertia, Consul Secundum, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the third time, consul for the second time, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.176–4.25 g;Diameter varies: 19–25 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Apollo on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the 3rd century AD. This suggests that the Roman Empire placed great importance on the god Apollo, who was revered for his association with the arts, music, poetry, prophecy, and healing. The inclusion of Apollo's image on the coin may have been a way for the Roman Empire to promote their cultural and religious values, as well as to emphasize the imperial cult and the emperor's connection to the divine.
