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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Gordian I 14

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Gordian I 14. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Gordian I. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Gordian I, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG.

The reverse shows virtus, helmeted, standing left, resting right hand on shield set on ground and holding spear in left hand, with the legend VIRTVS AVGG S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Gordian I was Roman emperor in AD 238 alongside his son Gordian II during the Year of the Six Emperors. Caught up in a rebellion against Emperor Maximinus Thrax, his rule lasted for only 22 days, representing the second shortest reign in imperial history. He died by suicide in April 238 after his son was killed in battle.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze sestertius represents a denomination valued in commerce at two and a half asses, or one quarter of a denarius. The obverse presents Gordian I with the title "IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG". The reverse depicts the personification Virtus, helmeted and bearing a spear and shield, accompanied by the inscription "VIRTVS AVGG S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Gordian I

Design

Obverse
Bust of Gordian I, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Virtus, helmeted, standing left, resting right hand on shield set on ground and holding spear in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG
Reverse legend
VIRTVS AVGG S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Gordian I 14
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG
Reverse legend to match
VIRTVS AVGG S C
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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