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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Gordian III 86

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Gordian III 86. 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 laetitia, draped, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and anchor set on ground in left hand, with the legend LAETITIA AVG N.

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 served as Roman emperor from 238 to 244, having acceded at the age of thirteen as the second-youngest sole ruler of the united Roman Empire. He was the grandson of Emperor Gordian I and nephew of Gordian II. His imperial administration produced currency across the empire, including issues struck at the mint of Rome.

This silver coin is an antoninianus, a denomination introduced under Caracalla in 215 AD and valued at two denarii. The radiate crown worn by Gordian III on the obverse indicated this double denomination, accompanied by the inscription "IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG". Denominations of this kind were struck during an era when emperors required coinage to pay soldiers and secure their loyalty amid declining bullion supplies. The reverse depicts Laetitia carrying a wreath and an anchor resting on the ground, surrounded by the legend "LAETITIA AVG N".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Gordian III

Design

Obverse
Bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Laetitia, draped, standing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and anchor set on ground in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
Reverse legend
LAETITIA AVG N

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Gordian III 86
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
Reverse legend to match
LAETITIA AVG N
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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