Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XXI 24-25 Mar 2021
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Gordian I Africanus AR Denarius. Rome, March-April AD 238. IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / P M TR P COS P P, Gordian standing facing, head to left, holding branch in right hand and short sceptre in left. RIC IV 1; BMCRE 1-3; RSC 2. 2.90g, 20mm, 6h.
Extremely Fine; lightly toned with underlying lustre.
Ex Phil Peck Collection, Heritage World Coin Auctions, NYINC Signature Sale 3071, 6 January 2019, lot 32191.
Gordian's long and distinguished career included the command of Legio IIII Scythica, the governorship of Britain in AD 216, and holding the position of Suffect Consul some time during the reign of Elagabalus. As an aedile, he had gained great popularity for the magnificence of the games and shows he produced for the people, however his prudence in remaining far from intrigue allowed him to escape the attention of jealous and paranoid emperors.
During his term as governor of Africa Proconsularis, a revolt broke out against the oppressive rule of Maximinus Thrax, and the people turned to Gordian, demanding that he take the imperial throne. Despite his advanced years and claiming he was too old to rule, Gordian eventually acceded to their demands. Because of his age, he insisted that his son (Gordian II) be co-emperor with him; he sent a delegation to the Senate, who confirmed him as emperor. However, Capelianus, governor of Numidia and a loyal supporter of Maximinus, invaded the province of Africa at the head of the only legion in the area and defeated Gordian II's militia army. Upon hearing of the death of his son, Gordian took his own life, but was survived by his grandson who would eventually rule as Gordian III.
Extremely Fine; lightly toned with underlying lustre.
Ex Phil Peck Collection, Heritage World Coin Auctions, NYINC Signature Sale 3071, 6 January 2019, lot 32191.
Gordian's long and distinguished career included the command of Legio IIII Scythica, the governorship of Britain in AD 216, and holding the position of Suffect Consul some time during the reign of Elagabalus. As an aedile, he had gained great popularity for the magnificence of the games and shows he produced for the people, however his prudence in remaining far from intrigue allowed him to escape the attention of jealous and paranoid emperors.
During his term as governor of Africa Proconsularis, a revolt broke out against the oppressive rule of Maximinus Thrax, and the people turned to Gordian, demanding that he take the imperial throne. Despite his advanced years and claiming he was too old to rule, Gordian eventually acceded to their demands. Because of his age, he insisted that his son (Gordian II) be co-emperor with him; he sent a delegation to the Senate, who confirmed him as emperor. However, Capelianus, governor of Numidia and a loyal supporter of Maximinus, invaded the province of Africa at the head of the only legion in the area and defeated Gordian II's militia army. Upon hearing of the death of his son, Gordian took his own life, but was survived by his grandson who would eventually rule as Gordian III.