Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XXIV 19-20 Jan 2021
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Tranquillina. Augusta, AD 241-244. AR Antoninianus (23mm, 4.04 g, 7h). Rome mint. Special emission for marriage of Gordian III and Tranquillina, AD 241. SABINIA TRANQVILLINA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane, set on crescent / CONCORDIA AVGG, Gordian III standing right, holding a roll in his left hand, clasping right hands with Tranquillina standing left. RIC IV 250 (Gordian III); RSC 4; Jameson 232. Near EF. Attractive cameo toning.
Ex Gorny & Mosch 117 (14 October 2002), lot 657.
Furia Sabinia Tranquillina was the daughter of the formidably named Gaius Furius Sabinius Aquila Timesitheus, a highly respected career soldier of equestrian rank who rose to become Praetorian Prefect under the boy emperor Gordian III. In AD 241, Tranquillina married Gordian, making Timesitheus his father-in-law and guardian, and hopefully setting the stage for a successful dynasty. The next few years appeared to be relatively tranquil, but in early AD 243 Gordian and Timesitheus were forced into arms by an aggressive Persian attack on the eastern frontier. Under the Prefect's guidance, the Romans won a major victory in early AD 244, but at this point Timesitheus fell suddenly ill and died, leaving the young, inexperienced Gordian without his mentor and guardian. In short order he was dead, either slain in battle or the victim of a coup led by his successor, Philip I. It is not known whether Tranquillina was present in camp or back in Rome, but we hear no more of her.
Ex Gorny & Mosch 117 (14 October 2002), lot 657.
Furia Sabinia Tranquillina was the daughter of the formidably named Gaius Furius Sabinius Aquila Timesitheus, a highly respected career soldier of equestrian rank who rose to become Praetorian Prefect under the boy emperor Gordian III. In AD 241, Tranquillina married Gordian, making Timesitheus his father-in-law and guardian, and hopefully setting the stage for a successful dynasty. The next few years appeared to be relatively tranquil, but in early AD 243 Gordian and Timesitheus were forced into arms by an aggressive Persian attack on the eastern frontier. Under the Prefect's guidance, the Romans won a major victory in early AD 244, but at this point Timesitheus fell suddenly ill and died, leaving the young, inexperienced Gordian without his mentor and guardian. In short order he was dead, either slain in battle or the victim of a coup led by his successor, Philip I. It is not known whether Tranquillina was present in camp or back in Rome, but we hear no more of her.