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RIC IV Gordian I 4

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC 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

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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