NumisLens › Roman Emperors › Gordian III

Gordian III

Imperator Caesar Marcus Antonius Gordianus Augustus

Reign 238 AD – 244 AD
Dynasty Crisis of Third Century
Born 225 AD
Died 244 AD

Youngest sole Roman emperor at age thirteen, Gordian III was elevated by the Praetorian Guard after the chaotic Year of the Six Emperors in 238 AD. His reign was guided by the capable Praetorian Prefect Timesitheus, whose death during the Persian campaign left the young emperor fatally exposed to the ambitions of Philip the Arab.

Gordian III's reign demonstrated the empire's resilience even under a child emperor, provided capable advisors were in place. His coins are among the most accessible entry points for collectors entering the Roman series.

Key Events

238 AD Proclaimed Caesar, then Augustus after the murder of Pupienus and Balbinus
240 AD Suppressed the revolt of Sabinianus in Africa
241 AD Married Tranquillina; Timesitheus appointed Praetorian Prefect
243 AD Major victory over the Sassanid Persians at the Battle of Resaena
244 AD Died in Mesopotamia under disputed circumstances; Philip the Arab succeeded him

Coinage

Gordian III's coinage is extremely common on the market, reflecting a six-year reign with intensive minting. The antoninianus was the dominant denomination, and the denarius continued its decline. Types frequently celebrate military security and divine protection.

Denominations

Aureus Antoninianus Denarius Sestertius Dupondius As

Notable Types

  • LAETITIA AVG types
  • VICTORIA AETER types for the Persian campaign
  • VIRTVS AVG types
  • SECVRIT PERP types

Common Reverses

LAETITIA AVG N AEQVITAS AVG PAX AVGVSTI PM TR P V COS II P P IOVI STATORI SECVRIT PERP VIRTVS AVG

Active Mints

Rome Antioch

Further Reading

  • Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume IV, Part 3 — Harold Mattingly, Edward A. Sydenham & C.H.V. Sutherland
  • Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume III — David R. Sear
← Predecessor Balbinus Successor → Philip the Arab