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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Gordian I 9

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Gordian I 9. 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 providentia, draped, standing left with legs crossed, leaning left arm on column, holding wand in right hand over globe and cornucopiae in left hand, with the legend PROVIDENTIA AVGG S C.

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, born Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus, served as Roman emperor alongside his son Gordian II in AD 238 during the Year of the Six Emperors. Involved in a rebellion against Emperor Maximinus Thrax, his rule represented the second shortest reign in imperial history, lasting only 22 days before he died by suicide following defeat in battle and the death of his son.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze sestertius belongs to Gordian I's brief period of imperial authority. The obverse features his laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust accompanied by the legend "IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG". The reverse depicts the personification Providentia, draped and leaning against a column with her legs crossed, holding a wand over a globe and carrying a cornucopiae, encircled by the inscription "PROVIDENTIA 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
Providentia, draped, standing left with legs crossed, leaning left arm on column, holding wand in right hand over globe and cornucopiae in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG
Reverse legend
PROVIDENTIA AVGG S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Gordian I 9
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG
Reverse legend to match
PROVIDENTIA 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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