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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Gordian III 95

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Gordian III 95. 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 hercules, nude, standing right, resting right hand on hip and resting left hand on club set on rock; beside club, lion-skin, with the legend VIRTVTI AVGVSTI.

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 to sole rule of the Roman Empire at the age of thirteen. This silver antoninianus was produced for his imperial administration at the mint of Rome.

The antoninianus was a denomination introduced under Caracalla in early 215, thought to have been valued at two denarii. Such coins indicated this double denomination by depicting the emperor wearing a radiate crown, as seen here where Gordian III appears alongside the obverse legend "IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG". The reverse depicts the nude mythological figure Hercules resting his hand upon a club set on a rock beside a lion-skin, accompanied by the inscription "VIRTVTI AVGVSTI". During this period of the Roman Empire, issues of the antoninianus were struck amid ongoing debasement, as soldier emperors required coin to pay troops and secure their loyalty.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Gordian III

Design

Obverse
Bust of Gordian III, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Hercules, nude, standing right, resting right hand on hip and resting left hand on club set on rock; beside club, lion-skin
Obverse legend
IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
Reverse legend
VIRTVTI AVGVSTI

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Gordian III 95
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
Reverse legend to match
VIRTVTI 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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