GORDIAN III (238-244). Antoninianus. Antioch.

Obv: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG.
Radiate and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: VICTORIA GORDIANI AVG.
Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm branch.

RIC 219; Bland, Coinage 125.

Rare

This Denarius was struck in AD 243/4, when the emperor was engaged in a campaign against the Sasanids of Shapur I, who, having succeeded his father Ardashir I, and invaded Mesopotamia in AD 241, conquering Hatra, Nisibis and Carrhae. Gordian had the Temple of Janus opened for the last time in history and personally departed for the east. The Victory depicted on the reverse should refer to one of the many successes the Romans achieved against the Persians, such as the Battle of Raesena, before the important general Timesiteus died of illness, greatly weakening Gordian's confidence and army. The emperor himself died in AD 244, from uncertain causes, when he was planning to cross the Euphrates River to invade enemy territory.

Condition: Very fine.

Weight: 3.65 g.
Diameter: 22 mm.