Gordian III (AD 238-244). AV aureus (20mm, 4.99 gm, 11h). NGC Choice MS 5/5 - 4/5. Rome, ca. AD 241-243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Gordian III right, seen from behind / AETER-NITATI AVG, Sol standing facing, leaning with weight on right leg, nude but for chlamys across left shoulder, radiate head left, right hand raised, globe in outstretched left hand. RIC IV.III 97. Calicó 3186a. Superbly struck from fresh dies on highly lustrous, bright flan. Ex Triton XVIII (6, January 2015), lot 1199 This attractive gold aureus illustrates the monetary crisis about to engulf the Roman Empire. At 4.99 grams, this coin is only 3/4 the weight of aurei issued during the Severan era and points to the shortage of precious metals caused by a worsening spiral of inflation and debasement. Silver was also in short supply, which caused the venerable denarius to be driven out of circulation by its inflationary cousin, the antoninianus. Portraiture and overall artistry were still of a high standard, however, and the youth and innocence of Gordian are quite evident in his obverse image.

HID09801242017

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