Gordian III (AD 238-244). AV aureus (21mm, 5.05 gm, 12h). NGC Choice MS 5/5 - 5/5, Fine Style. 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, radiate head left, raising right hand, globe outward in left. RIC IV.III 97. Calicó 3186a. Scarce, lustrous, and superb. Seldom seen in this high grade. This attractive gold aureus illustrates the monetary crisis about to engulf the Roman Empire. Its weight of 5.05 grams 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 silver denarius to be driven out of circulation by its inflationary cousin, the antoninianus. Portraiture and overall workmanship 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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