GORDIAN III AE Sestertius 238-244 AD - FIDES MILITVM - Rome Mint

• Denomination: Sestertius

• Composition: Bronze (Æ)

• Year: c. 240 AD

• Mint: Rome

• Ruler: Gordian III

• Weight: 19.16 grams

• Diameter: 28 mm

• Certification: Ex Locke & England auctions

Description

Ancient Roman Imperial Coinage Gordian III (238–244 AD) – Æ Sestertius, Rome Mint Reverse Type: FIDES MILITVM (The Loyalty of the Military)

An honest, chunky, and well-proportioned mid-third-century sestertius of the teenage emperor Gordian III. Weighing in at a very respectable 19.16 grams, this coin features a highly relevant historical reverse type highlighting the critical military backing required during the Crisis of the Third Century.

Design Elements:

• Obverse: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG – Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Gordian III facing right, seen from behind. Sharp profile outline.

• Reverse: FIDES MILITVM / S - C across fields. Fides standing left, holding a military standard vertically in her right hand and a sceptre/transverse standard in her left.

• Dimensions: 19.16 g / 28 mm.

References: RIC IV 284a; Cohen 93; Sear RCV 8705.