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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Gordian III 34

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Gordian III 34. 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 aequitas, draped, standing front, head left, holding scales in extended right hand and corncuopiae in left hand, with the legend AEQVITAS AVG.

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, born Marcus Antonius Gordianus, served as Roman emperor from 238 until circa February 244. Becoming the second-youngest 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. During his reign, imperial coinage was produced at the mint of Rome.

This silver coin is an antoninianus, a denomination introduced by Caracalla in early 215 AD and thought to have been valued at two denarii. The radiate crown worn by the emperor on the obverse indicates this double denomination. Introduced with a silver content equal to only 1.5 denarii, the antoninianus triggered inflation, with later soldier emperors repeatedly debasing issues to pay their troops. The obverse bears the legend "IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG", while the reverse displays Aequitas holding scales and a cornucopiae alongside the legend "AEQVITAS 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
Aequitas, draped, standing front, head left, holding scales in extended right hand and corncuopiae in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG
Reverse legend
AEQVITAS AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Gordian III 34
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
AEQVITAS 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

Varieties

  • RIC IV Gordian III 177A

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

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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