Lot 4553
Tranquillina, wife of Gordian III. Silver Denarius (2.54g) minted at Rome, ca. AD 241-244. SABINIA TRANQ-VILLINA AVG. Diademed and draped bust of Tranquillina right. Reverse: CONCORDIA AVGG. Concordia (Concord) enthroned left, holding patera and double cornucopiae. RIC 252 (R4); RSC 1a. Tiny scratch on jawline. Light gray with soft iridescent highlights. A delightful example. Extremely Rare. Extremely Fine.
Given the prodigious number of coins minted by her husband and the tradition under the Antonines and Severans to strike ample coinage in the empress' name, the great rarity of Tranquillina's Imperial coinage is puzzling. Compounding this is the fact that Tranquillina's provincial coinage is not particularly scarce. Ancient Greek and Roman numismatic scholar David L. Vagi believes the answer may be found in the familial scenario of the imperial couple. In AD 241, the 16-year Gordian III appointed Tranquillina's father, Gaius Furius Sabinius Aquila Timesitheus, a man of sterling character and experience, commander of the praetorian guards. The ties were strengthened when Gordian then married Timesitheus' daughter. Thus Tranquillina's coinage may have been kept especially modest to prevent any appearance of a conflict of interest.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000.
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| Realized $11,213 |
