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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Gordian III 148

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Gordian III 148. 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 providentia, draped, standing left, holding wand in right hand over globe set on ground and sceptre in left hand, with the legend PROVID AVG.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
9
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

The antoninianus was introduced by Caracalla in early 215 AD and is thought to have been valued at two denarii. Although issued as a double denomination, its actual silver content was initially equivalent to only 1.5 denarii, prompting hoarding and inflation. A series of soldier emperors required coin to pay troops and secure their loyalty amid dwindling silver bullion supplies. As with other issues of this denomination, the obverse features the emperor wearing a radiate crown, accompanied by the legend "IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG", while the reverse bears the legend "PROVID AVG" alongside an image of Providentia holding a wand and sceptre.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Gordian III

Design

Obverse
Bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Providentia, draped, standing left, holding wand in right hand over globe set on ground and sceptre in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
Reverse legend
PROVID AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Gordian III 148
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
Reverse legend to match
PROVID AVG
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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