RIC IV Gordian III 83
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC IV Gordian III 83. 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 sol, nude except for cloak around shoulders, standing front, head left, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand, with the legend AETERNITATI AVG.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 13
- 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 to become the second-youngest sole emperor of the united Roman Empire. He was the grandson of Emperor Gordian I and the nephew of Emperor Gordian II. During his reign, coins such as this piece were struck under his imperial authority at the mint of Rome.
This coin is an antoninianus, a denomination introduced in early 215 by Caracalla and thought to have been valued at two denarii. Such silver coins were marked by the depiction of the emperor wearing a radiate crown to denote a double denomination, as shown on the obverse alongside the title "IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG". Antoniniani were struck amid dwindling silver bullion supplies across the empire, which had led to inflation as successive emperors required coin to pay troops and maintain their loyalty. The reverse bears the inscription "AETERNITATI AVG" and depicts Sol raising his right hand while holding a globe.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Denomination
- Antoninianus
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Gordian III
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
- Reverse
- Sol, nude except for cloak around shoulders, standing front, head left, raising right hand and holding globe in left hand
- Obverse legend
- IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
- Reverse legend
- AETERNITATI AVG
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC IV Gordian III 83
- Denomination and metal
- Antoninianus, Silver
- Obverse legend to match
- IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
- Reverse legend to match
- AETERNITATI 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
- RIC / OCREric.4.gor_iii.83
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.