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ANCIENT ROMAN IMPERIAL COINAGE of

GORDIAN III

ROMAN EMPIRE

G O R D I A N  III

29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D.

Silver/BI Tetradrachm, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch.

Struck Early 241 AD. 27mm 11.56 g. Larger than a U.S. Quarter and twice as heavy.

Obverse: AYTOK K M ANT ΓOPΔIANOC CЄB, Unabridged: AYTOK(-ράτωρ) K(-αίσαρ) M(-άρκου) ANT(-ωνίνως) ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC CEB(-αστος). Translation: "Emperor Caesar Marcus Antonius Gordian, August", Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right of Gordian III seen from behind.

Reverse: ΔHMAPX EΞ Y ΠATO B, Eagle standing facing, head left, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; below, crescent above ram leaping left, head right.

This second emission issue shows the absence of the SC on the reverse and its replacement by a ram (Aries) in a very particular position (looking backwards) under a crescent moon pointing up.  It is a near certainty that this ram designates the city of Antioch. The usual interpretation is not very convincing (the Moon in Aries would be the astronomical position at the time of the foundation of the city) but not entirely without merit.

Ref. Prieur 295; McAlee 972. Nearly XF, beautiful portrait, attractive toning.

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