Gordian III Sestertius, Apollo reverse
RIC IV Gordian III 302 · 241 AD-244 AD · Rome
Obverse
Reverse
Seminar für Alte Geschichte, Universität Freiburg
Obverse
IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
Bust of Gordian III, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
P M TR P IIII COS II P P S C
Apollo, nude to waist, seated left, holding branch in extended right hand and resting left elbow on lyre
About This Type
This RIC IV Gordian III 302 is a sestertius of Gordian III (241 AD-244 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Apollo, nude to waist, seated left, holding branch in extended right hand and resting left elbow on lyre. Struck in bronze at a standard weight of 17.47g, 28mm diameter.
About the Sestertius
The sestertius was the large brass prestige coin of the Roman imperial series, typically 25–28 grams and 30–35mm in diameter. Its size gave engravers room for the finest portrait art and most detailed reverse compositions in Roman coinage. Sestertii bear the SC mark indicating senatorial authority over base metal coinage.
About the Rome Mint
The Rome mint was the principal mint of the Roman state from the Republic through the fall of the Western Empire. It produced the vast majority of gold and silver coinage and was the only mint for much of the first and second centuries AD.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is RIC IV Gordian III 302?
- RIC IV Gordian III 302 is a Bronze Sestertius of Gordian III (241 AD-244 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. IV no. IV Gordian III 302.
- How do you identify RIC IV Gordian III 302?
- The obverse depicts Bust of Gordian III, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right with the inscription IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG. The reverse depicts Apollo, nude to waist, seated left, holding branch in extended right hand and resting left elbow on lyre with the inscription P M TR P IIII COS II P P S C. Portrait type: laureate.
- What are the physical specifications of RIC IV Gordian III 302?
- RIC IV Gordian III 302 was struck in Bronze, standard weight 17.47g, diameter 28mm, die axis 1 h, struck.
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