GORDIAN II (238). Sestertius. Rome.

Obv: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG.
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VIRTVS AVGG / S - C.
Virtus standing left, holding spear and resting hand on shield.

RIC 8.

Rare

Son of Gordian I, he was emperor with his father for a few weeks. The mother is unknown, possibly a niece of Herod Atticus. They came from a wealthy family of the equestrian order related to several senators. The name Gordian suggests an Anatolian origin, from the city of Gordius. It seems that Gordian accepted the empire in old age only on the condition that his son would be associated with it, in order to succeed him. In AD 237 Gordian II was in Africa as legate under his father's command. After a rebellion in Africa in 238, mainly because of the exorbitant taxes imposed by Maximinus, Gordian I accepted the imperium offered by the army and also the title of Africanus. He entered Carthage acclaimed by the crowd and politicians, while in Rome the prefect of the Praetorians was assassinated. The Senate, happy to deprive Maximinus, accepted the new emperor, and most of the Provinces sided with him. However, Capelius, governor of Numidia and supporter of Maximinus Thrax, invaded the province of Africa with the Legio III Augusta, composed of veterans. Gordian II, who had no trained or well-prepared soldiers, was defeated and killed in the battle of Carthage. Following the death of his son, Gordian I committed suicide by hanging himself with a belt, after just twenty days of reign.

Condition: Very fine.

Weight: 19.88 g.
Diameter: 32 mm.