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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Gordian III 3

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Gordian III 3. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Gordian III. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG.

The reverse shows pax, draped, standing front, head left, holding branch in extended right hand and transverse sceptre in left hand, with the legend PAX AVGVSTI.

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 served as Roman emperor from 238 to 244, having acceded to the throne at the age of 13 as the second-youngest sole ruler of the united Roman Empire. His mother, Maecia Faustina, was the daughter of Emperor Gordian I and sister of Emperor Gordian II. His administration operated the imperial mint at Rome, which produced official coinage throughout his reign.

This silver antoninianus was struck at Rome as part of the double-denomination currency system introduced by Caracalla in early 215 AD. Valued at two denarii despite containing the silver equivalent of only 1.5 denarii, the denomination is indicated by the radiate crown worn by the emperor on the obverse. The obverse bears the imperial titulature "IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG", while the reverse legend "PAX AVGVSTI" accompanies the figure of Pax holding a branch 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
Pax, draped, standing front, head left, holding branch in extended right hand and transverse sceptre in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG
Reverse legend
PAX AVGVSTI

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Gordian III 3
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
PAX AVGVSTI
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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