Egypt. Alexandria. Gordianus III, as Caesar, 238-244. Tetradrachm (Billon, 22.2 mm, 12.47 g). Dated RY 1 (= 238/9). MAN ΓOPΔIANOC OC CEB Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev. Eagle standing left, head right, wreath in beak; L-A (date) across field. Geissen 2614-5 var. (obv. legend). Dattari-Savio 4698bis. RPC VII.2, 3689. Emmett 3382. Cf. SAVIO A., Tetradrammi alessandrini, pp.136-139. Dark patina, well struck. Good Very Fine. Ex CNG XXV, 24.03.1993, lot 933. A tetradrachm of great historical importance and absolute rarity minted between June and 29 July 238 (date of the murder of Pupienus and Balbinus), attesting to the popular announcement in advance as Emperor of the very young Gordianus III, already Caesar, during the transition clash between Pupienus and Balbinus which tragically ended on 29 July 238, the date that brings this ephemeral issue to an end and the Egyptian year I of Gordianus III’s reign begins (29 July 28 August 238). The events of this coinage are amply described and documented by STAFFIERI G. M., Curiosità numismatiche alessandrine II, in NAC 2020, pp. 275-288, Lugano 2000.