Sestertius - Gordian III (FELICITAS TEMPORVM S C; Felicitas) (244) front Sestertius - Gordian III (FELICITAS TEMPORVM S C; Felicitas) (244) back
Sestertius - Gordian III (FELICITAS TEMPORVM S C; Felicitas) (244) photo
© Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen (CC BY-NC 4.0 DE)

Sestertius - Gordian III FELICITAS TEMPORVM S C; Felicitas

244 year
Bronze 21.1 g 33 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Gordian III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus) (238-244)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
244
Value
Sestertius (⅛)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
21.1 g
Diameter
33 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#281169
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding long caduceus in right hand and cornucopiae.

Script: Latin

Lettering: FELICITAS TEMPORVM S C

Translation:
Felicitas Temporum. Senatus Consultum.
Fortunate times. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Mass varies: 18.61–28 g;

Example of this type:
Münzkabinett der Universität Göttingen

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Felicitas, the Roman goddess of good luck and prosperity, on its reverse side. This suggests that the coin was minted during a time of relative peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire, and that the people of Rome were grateful for the blessings they had received. Additionally, the fact that the coin was made of bronze, a relatively inexpensive metal, suggests that it was intended for widespread circulation and use in everyday transactions, rather than being a rare or commemorative coin.