RIC IV Gordian I 4
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC IV Gordian I 4. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Gordian I. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Gordian I, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG.
The reverse shows roma, helmeted, draped, seated left on shield, holding Victory in extended right hand and holding sceptre in left hand, with the legend ROMAE AETERNAE.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 5
- 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, reigning alongside his son Gordian II during the Year of the Six Emperors. Caught up in a rebellion against Emperor Maximinus Thrax, his rule was the second shortest in imperial history, lasting only 22 days before he committed suicide following his son's death in battle.
This silver denarius was struck at the mint of Rome under Gordian I's imperial authority. The denarius served as the standard Roman silver coin from its introduction around 211 BC until the reign of Gordian III. The obverse bears the emperor's portrait with the legend "IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG", while the reverse displays Roma seated on a shield, holding Victory and a sceptre, accompanied by the inscription "ROMAE AETERNAE".
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Denomination
- Denarius
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Gordian I
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Gordian I, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
- Reverse
- Roma, helmeted, draped, seated left on shield, holding Victory in extended right hand and holding sceptre in left hand
- Obverse legend
- IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG
- Reverse legend
- ROMAE AETERNAE
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC IV Gordian I 4
- Denomination and metal
- Denarius, Silver
- Obverse legend to match
- IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG
- Reverse legend to match
- ROMAE AETERNAE
- 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
- RIC / OCREric.4.gor_i.4
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.