RIC IV Gordian III 70
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC IV Gordian III 70. 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 roma, helmeted, in military attire, seated left on shield, holding Victory in extended right hand and spear in left hand, with the legend ROMAE AETERNAE.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 7
- 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 at the age of 13 as the second-youngest sole emperor of the united Roman Empire. This silver coinage was produced under his authority at the mint of Rome.
The antoninianus was a Roman denomination introduced by Caracalla in early 215 AD and was thought to have been valued at two denarii. The radiate crown worn by the emperor indicated this double denomination. Struck in silver, the denomination faced progressive debasement as supplies of bullion dwindled and emperors required coin to pay soldiers and secure their loyalty. The obverse presents Gordian III with the legend "IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG", while the reverse depicts Roma seated on a shield with Victory and a spear, accompanied by the inscription "ROMAE AETERNAE".
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Denomination
- Antoninianus
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Gordian III
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
- Reverse
- Roma, helmeted, in military attire, seated left on shield, holding Victory in extended right hand and spear in left hand
- Obverse legend
- IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
- Reverse legend
- ROMAE AETERNAE
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC IV Gordian III 70
- Denomination and metal
- Antoninianus, Silver
- Obverse legend to match
- IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
- Reverse legend to match
- ROMAE AETERNAE
- 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.70
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.