RIC IV Gordian III 172b
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC IV Gordian III 172b. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Gordian III. Mint: Antioch, Syria. The obverse shows bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG.
The reverse shows providentia, draped, standing left, holding globe in extended right hand and sceptre in left hand, with the legend P M TR P II COS P P.
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
The coin is an antoninianus, a denomination introduced by Caracalla in early 215 AD and thought to have been valued at two denarii. Characterised by the emperor wearing a radiate crown to denote a double denomination, the type was initially silver but suffered ongoing debasement as soldier emperors required coin to pay their troops and buy their loyalty. On this issue, the obverse bears the emperor's portrait alongside the legend "IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG", while the reverse depicts Providentia draped, holding a globe and sceptre, accompanied by the legend "P M TR P II COS P P".
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Denomination
- Antoninianus
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Antioch, Syria
- Authority
- Gordian III
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
- Reverse
- Providentia, draped, standing left, holding globe in extended right hand and sceptre in left hand
- Obverse legend
- IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG
- Reverse legend
- P M TR P II COS P P
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC IV Gordian III 172b
- Denomination and metal
- Antoninianus, Silver
- Obverse legend to match
- IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG
- Reverse legend to match
- P M TR P II COS P P
- 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
- RIC / OCREric.4.gor_iii.172b
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.