© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Sestertius - Gordian III FELICITAS AVG S C; Felicitas
| Bronze | 20.7 g | 28.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Gordian III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus) (238-244) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 241-244 |
| Value | Sestertius (⅛) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 20.7 g |
| Diameter | 28.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#281137 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Felicitas, draped, standing front, head left, holding caduceus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: FELICITAS AVG S C
Translation:
Felicitas Augusti. Senatus Consultum.
The good fortune of the emperor (Augustus). Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 17.18–26.8 g;Diameter varies: 27–31 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 the goddess Felicitas, who was a personification of good luck and prosperity in Roman mythology. The coin's design includes an image of Felicitas standing left, holding a caduceus (a staff with two intertwined snakes) in her right hand and a cornucopia (a symbol of abundance) in her left. This imagery suggests that the coin was intended to promote the idea of good fortune and prosperity under the rule of Gordian III.
