187
Rare Gordian III as Caesar Denarius
3226
Balbinus. Silver Denarius (2.9 g), AD 238.
Rare.
Rome. IMP C D CAEL BALBINVS AVG, laure-
ate, draped and cuirassed bust of Balbinus right.
Reverse:
VICT-ORIA AVGG, Victory standing
facing, head left, holding wreath and palm. RIC 8;
BMC 37-8; RSC 27.
Rare.
Virtually as struck with a
nice bold obverse, reverse from a slightly worn die
and all well centered. Lustrous.
Nearly Mint State.
Estimated Value .............................. $2,000 - 2,500
Ex Goldberg 74 (4 June 2013), 3636.
3227
Gordian III. Silver Denarius (2.94 g), as Caesar, AD 238.
Rome, under Balbinus and
Pupienus, AD 238. M ANT GORDIANVS CAES, bare-headed and draped bust of Gord-
ian III right.
Reverse:
PIETAS A-VGG, priestly emblems: lituus, knife, jug, simpulum
and sprinkler. RIC 1; BMC 62-3; RSC 182.
Rare.
Virtually as struck on a huge flan with
intricate detail on both sides. Lustrous and lightly toned.
Nearly Mint State.
Gordian III was the grandson and nephew of the respective emperors Gordian
I and Gordian II. After their deaths, the Roman Senate elevated the elderly sena-
tors Balbinus and Pupienus as co-rulers, but their rule was not popular. To appease
the discontent caused by this senatorial appointment, the Senate raised the young
Gordian to the rank of Caesar and had coins with his likeness struck. A short time
later the co-emperors Balbinus and Pupienus were murdered by the Praeto-
rian Guard, and Gordian became sole rule. Because of his tender age, manage-
ment of the affairs of state were left in the hands of Rome’s aristocratic families.
Estimated Value .............................................................................................$2,500 - 3,000
Private purchase from Ed Waddell.
