Gordian III AD 238-244. Rome
Antoninianus AR

22 mm, 5,18 g

IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P IIII COS II P P, Apollo seated to left, holding branch and resting elbow on lyre.

Very Fine

RIC IV 88; RSC 250.

Gordian III was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 238 to 244. He was born in AD 225 and became emperor at a young age after the death of his grandfather, Gordian I, and his father, Gordian II, during a revolt against the emperor Maximinus Thrax. As emperor, Gordian III was initially under the influence of his mother and advisors, but he eventually gained more independence as he matured. He was known for his handsome and youthful appearance, which earned him popularity among the Roman people. During his reign, Gordian III faced military conflicts, including campaigns against the Persians and Germanic tribes. His military commander, Timesitheus, played a crucial role in managing these campaigns and preserving the stability of the empire. However, in AD 244, Gordian III's reign came to an abrupt end when he died under suspicious circumstances while on a campaign in the East. His death marked the rise of Philip the Arab as the next Roman emperor.