Roman Silver Coin of Emperor Gordian III (about 1,780-1,790 years ago)
Roman Silver Antoninianus Of Gordian III (AD 238-244)
Roman Silver Coin of Emperor Gordian III (about 1,780-1,790 years ago)
This silver-washed coin was issued during the brief reign of Gordian III, who became Roman Emperor at the remarkably young age of 13, making him the youngest sole emperor in Roman history. His rule represents a brief period of stability during the turbulent Crisis of the Third Century, though the real power likely rested with his advisors and the Praetorian Guard who had elevated him to the throne.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of young Emperor Gordian III wearing a radiate crown, facing right, with Latin inscription stating his name and imperial titles
Back side: Typically shows a Roman deity, personification of a virtue, or military symbol with accompanying Latin inscription
Technical Details:
Silver-washed bronze composition (antoniniani of this period contained decreasing amounts of actual silver)
Denomination: Antoninianus (double denarius)
NGC certified
Minted between 238-244 AD
Condition as certified by NGC
Historical Significance: Gordian III's reign occurred during the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century, a period of intense military anarchy that nearly destroyed the Roman Empire. Despite his youth, Gordian's six-year reign was relatively stable compared to the rapid turnover of emperors before and after him. His rise to power came after the chaotic Year of Six Emperors (238 AD), when his grandfather and uncle (Gordian I and II) briefly claimed the throne before being defeated. Young Gordian was ultimately killed during a campaign against Persia (modern Iran), possibly through the machinations of his Praetorian Prefect Philip, who succeeded him as Emperor Philip "the Arab."
Roman Silver Antoninianus Of Gordian III (AD 238-244)
Roman Silver Coin of Emperor Gordian III (about 1,780-1,790 years ago)
This silver-washed coin was issued during the brief reign of Gordian III, who became Roman Emperor at the remarkably young age of 13, making him the youngest sole emperor in Roman history. His rule represents a brief period of stability during the turbulent Crisis of the Third Century, though the real power likely rested with his advisors and the Praetorian Guard who had elevated him to the throne.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of young Emperor Gordian III wearing a radiate crown, facing right, with Latin inscription stating his name and imperial titles
Back side: Typically shows a Roman deity, personification of a virtue, or military symbol with accompanying Latin inscription
Technical Details:
Silver-washed bronze composition (antoniniani of this period contained decreasing amounts of actual silver)
Denomination: Antoninianus (double denarius)
NGC certified
Minted between 238-244 AD
Condition as certified by NGC
Historical Significance: Gordian III's reign occurred during the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century, a period of intense military anarchy that nearly destroyed the Roman Empire. Despite his youth, Gordian's six-year reign was relatively stable compared to the rapid turnover of emperors before and after him. His rise to power came after the chaotic Year of Six Emperors (238 AD), when his grandfather and uncle (Gordian I and II) briefly claimed the throne before being defeated. Young Gordian was ultimately killed during a campaign against Persia (modern Iran), possibly through the machinations of his Praetorian Prefect Philip, who succeeded him as Emperor Philip "the Arab."
Roman Silver Antoninianus Of Gordian III (AD 238-244)
Roman Silver Coin of Emperor Gordian III (about 1,780-1,790 years ago)
This silver-washed coin was issued during the brief reign of Gordian III, who became Roman Emperor at the remarkably young age of 13, making him the youngest sole emperor in Roman history. His rule represents a brief period of stability during the turbulent Crisis of the Third Century, though the real power likely rested with his advisors and the Praetorian Guard who had elevated him to the throne.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of young Emperor Gordian III wearing a radiate crown, facing right, with Latin inscription stating his name and imperial titles
Back side: Typically shows a Roman deity, personification of a virtue, or military symbol with accompanying Latin inscription
Technical Details:
Silver-washed bronze composition (antoniniani of this period contained decreasing amounts of actual silver)
Denomination: Antoninianus (double denarius)
NGC certified
Minted between 238-244 AD
Condition as certified by NGC
Historical Significance: Gordian III's reign occurred during the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century, a period of intense military anarchy that nearly destroyed the Roman Empire. Despite his youth, Gordian's six-year reign was relatively stable compared to the rapid turnover of emperors before and after him. His rise to power came after the chaotic Year of Six Emperors (238 AD), when his grandfather and uncle (Gordian I and II) briefly claimed the throne before being defeated. Young Gordian was ultimately killed during a campaign against Persia (modern Iran), possibly through the machinations of his Praetorian Prefect Philip, who succeeded him as Emperor Philip "the Arab."
