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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Gordian III 153

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Gordian III 153. 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 securitas, draped, standing left with legs cross, leaning left arm on column, and holding sceptre in right hand, with the legend SECVRITAS PERPETVA.

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

Gordian III reigned as Roman emperor from 238 to 244. Becoming sole emperor of the united Roman Empire at the age of thirteen, he was the grandson of Emperor Gordian I and nephew of Emperor Gordian II. His administration operated during a period in which soldier emperors required coin to pay their troops, with imperial mints producing currency such as this silver issue at Rome.

This coin is an antoninianus, a denomination introduced under Caracalla in early 215 AD and thought to have been valued at two denarii. The radiate crown worn by the emperor on the obverse indicated this double denomination. The reverse carries the legend "SECVRITAS PERPETVA" and depicts Securitas standing with her legs crossed, leaning upon a column and holding a sceptre, while the obverse presents Gordian III alongside the inscription "IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Gordian III

Design

Obverse
Bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Securitas, draped, standing left with legs cross, leaning left arm on column, and holding sceptre in right hand
Obverse legend
IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
Reverse legend
SECVRITAS PERPETVA

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Gordian III 153
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
Reverse legend to match
SECVRITAS PERPETVA
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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