Lot 1584
Gordian III. Gold Aureus (4.64 g), AD 238-244. Struck in Rome, AD 241-243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III right. Reverse: AETERNITATI AVG, Sol standing facing, head left, extending arm and holding globe. RIC 97, Calicó 3186. Boldly struck, well centered and fully lustrous. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $3,000 - UP
Gordian III was the grandson and nephew of the respective emperors Gordian I and Gordian II. After their deaths, the Roman Senate elevated the elder 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 Gguard, 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.
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| Realized $4,800 |
