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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Gordian III (Caesar) 3

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Gordian III (Caesar) 3. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Balbinus; Pupienus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Gordian III, bare-headed, draped, right, with the legend M ANT GORDIANVS CAES.

The reverse shows priestly emblems: jug between lituus, knife and patera on the left and simpulum and sprinkler on right, with the legend PIETAS AVGG S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
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

This bronze sestertius was issued under the joint authority of the emperors Balbinus and Pupienus at the Rome mint. Pupienus, full name Marcus Clodius Pupienus Maximus, ruled alongside Balbinus for ninety-nine days in 238 during the tumultuous Year of the Six Emperors. Although contemporary sources for their short reign are scant, their coinage records this brief period of shared imperial power in the Roman Empire.

The coin was struck for Gordian III as Caesar, bearing the obverse inscription "M ANT GORDIANVS CAES" around his bare-headed, draped portrait. As a denomination, the sestertius functioned as a large circulating coin of the Roman Empire, tracing its origin to an accounting value of two and a half asses. The reverse carries the legend "PIETAS AVGG S C" and depicts traditional priestly emblems, including a central jug placed between a lituus, knife, patera, simpulum, and sprinkler.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Balbinus; Pupienus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Gordian III, bare-headed, draped, right
Reverse
Priestly emblems: jug between lituus, knife and patera on the left and simpulum and sprinkler on right
Obverse legend
M ANT GORDIANVS CAES
Reverse legend
PIETAS AVGG S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Gordian III (Caesar) 3
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
M ANT GORDIANVS CAES
Reverse legend to match
PIETAS AVGG S C
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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