Pre-Long Beach Auction #80

Gordian III. Silver Denarius (2.94 g), as Caesar, AD 238. Rome, under Balbinus and Pupienus, AD 238. M ANT GORDIANVS CAES, bare-headed and draped bust of Gordian III right. Reverse PIETAS A-VGG, priestly emblems: lituus, knife, jug, simpulum and sprinkler. RIC 1; BMC 62-3; RSC 182. Rare. Virtually as struck on a huge flan with intricate detail on both sides. Lustrous and lightly toned. Nearly Mint State.

Gordian III was the grandson and nephew of the respective emperors Gordian I and Gordian II. After their deaths, the Roman Senate elevated the elderly senators Balbinus and Pupienus as co-rulers, but their rule was not popular. To appease the discontent caused by this senatorial appointment, the Senate raised the young Gordian to the rank of Caesar and had coins with his likeness struck. A short time later the co-emperors Balbinus and Pupienus were murdered by the Praetorian Guard, and Gordian became sole rule. Because of his tender age, management of the affairs of state were left in the hands of Rome's aristocratic families.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000.
Private purchase from Ed Waddell.