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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Gordian III 145

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Gordian III 145. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Gordian III. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG.

The reverse shows mars, helmeted, in military attire, hastening right, holding transverse spear in right hand and shield in left hand, with the legend MARS PROPVG.

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 III was Roman emperor from 238 to 244, becoming the second-youngest sole emperor of the united Roman Empire at the age of thirteen. This silver coin was issued under his imperial authority at the Rome mint during his reign.

Struck as an antoninianus, the denomination was originally introduced by Caracalla in early 215 AD and is thought to have been valued at two denarii. The radiate crown worn by the emperor on the obverse was the distinctive feature indicating this double denomination, which faced progressive debasement as soldier emperors required coin to pay troops. On this issue, the obverse bears the imperial title "IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG", while the reverse depicts Mars, helmeted and hastening in military attire with a spear and shield, paired with the legend "MARS PROPVG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Gordian III

Design

Obverse
Bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, in military attire, hastening right, holding transverse spear in right hand and shield in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
Reverse legend
MARS PROPVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Gordian III 145
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
Reverse legend to match
MARS PROPVG
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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