The New York Sale
Auction 54 11 Jan 2022
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Gordian III. Silver Denarius (2.91 g), as Caesar, AD 238. Rome, under Balbinus and Pupienus, AD 238. M ANT GORDIANVS CAES, bare-headed and draped bust of Gordian III right. Reverse: PIETAS A-VGG, priestly emblems: lituus, knife, jug, simpulum and sprinkler. RIC 1; BMC 62-3; RSC 182. Rare. Perfectly struck and well centered. Lovely old cabinet tone with traces of residue. Mint State. Estimated Value $1,250 - UP
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 senators 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 Praetorian Guard, and Gordian became sole ruler. Because of his tender age, management of the affairs of state were left in the hands of Rome's aristocratic families.
Ex Brian Henry Grover (1924-2015) Collection (Roma XIX, 26 March 2020), 892.
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 senators 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 Praetorian Guard, and Gordian became sole ruler. Because of his tender age, management of the affairs of state were left in the hands of Rome's aristocratic families.
Ex Brian Henry Grover (1924-2015) Collection (Roma XIX, 26 March 2020), 892.