Gordian III BI Tetradrachm AD 238-244 AU
$425.00
$438.81
Check/Wire
Credit Card
| Quantity | Check/Wire | Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | 425.00 | 438.81 |
- SKU: BFB005393
- Categories: ANCIENTS ROMAN ROMAN EMPIRE
The tetradrachm was a large silver coin, named because it was equivalent to four drachmae. Originally from ancient Greece, this type of coin was adopted by other nations and states including the Roman Empire and Egypt. The large surface area allowed rulers and governments to convey political messages and advertise themselves. This tetradrachm was minted in Antioch during the reign of Gordian III.
Gordian III was the youngest sole emperor of the united Roman Empire. Born in 225 AD, he was the grandson of Gordian I and nephew of Gordian II, both of whom were ruling the empire together. When his grandfather and uncle died in 238, the people and Praetorian Guard in Rome demanded Gordian III be recognized as heir, but the Roman Senate declared two senators, Pupienus and Balbinus, as new joint emperors. The Praetorian Guard revolted, killing the senators and announcing Gordian III as the new emperor. He was 13 at the time. Throughout his rule, he had help from his family in commanding the government - first from his mother, then his father in law Timesitheus. Gordian joined Timesitheus on a campaign against Persia in 242. When Timesitheus died in 243, he was replaced by Philip the Arabian, who became the next emperor upon Giordian’s death in 244. It is unclear how he died, with different sources claiming death in battle or murder by his own troops.
This coin was graded AU (almost uncirculated) by the Numismatic Grading Company, the official grading service of the American Numismatic Association and the Professional Numismatists Guild. Here is a list of grades used by the NGC, as well as information about Strike, Surface, and Style ratings.
Gordian III was the youngest sole emperor of the united Roman Empire. Born in 225 AD, he was the grandson of Gordian I and nephew of Gordian II, both of whom were ruling the empire together. When his grandfather and uncle died in 238, the people and Praetorian Guard in Rome demanded Gordian III be recognized as heir, but the Roman Senate declared two senators, Pupienus and Balbinus, as new joint emperors. The Praetorian Guard revolted, killing the senators and announcing Gordian III as the new emperor. He was 13 at the time. Throughout his rule, he had help from his family in commanding the government - first from his mother, then his father in law Timesitheus. Gordian joined Timesitheus on a campaign against Persia in 242. When Timesitheus died in 243, he was replaced by Philip the Arabian, who became the next emperor upon Giordian’s death in 244. It is unclear how he died, with different sources claiming death in battle or murder by his own troops.
This coin was graded AU (almost uncirculated) by the Numismatic Grading Company, the official grading service of the American Numismatic Association and the Professional Numismatists Guild. Here is a list of grades used by the NGC, as well as information about Strike, Surface, and Style ratings.
Obverse: ΑΥΤΟΚ Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ; laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III, right, seen from rear
Reverse: ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΥΠΑ ΤΟ Β; eagle standing facing, head left, with wreath in beak; tail to left; between eagle's legs, ram running left with head turned back; crescent above ram's head
Reference: McAlee 872; Prieur 295
