NumisBids
  
Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3106  17-18 Jan 2023
View prices realized

Lot 33302

Starting price: 1 USD
Price realized: 7000 USD
Find similar lots
Share this lot: Share by Email
Ancients
Gordian III, as Augustus (AD 238-244). AV aureus (20mm, 4.71 gm, 12h). NGC MS5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style. Rome, ca. AD 241-243. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Gordian III right, seen from behind / AETER-NITATI AVG, Sol standing facing, nude but for chlamys across left shoulder, radiate head left, right hand raised, globe in outstretched left hand. Calicó 3186a. RIC IV.III 97. A harvest gold palette and matte devices imbue this impressive piece with a delightful warmth.

This attractive gold aureus illustrates the monetary crisis about to engulf the Roman Empire. At 4.71 grams, this coin is only 3/4 the weight of aurei issued during the Severan era and points to the shortage of precious metals caused by a worsening spiral of inflation and debasement. Silver was also in short supply, which caused the venerable denarius to be driven out of circulation by its inflationary cousin, the antoninianus. Portraiture and overall artistry were still of a high standard, however, and the youth and innocence of Gordian are quite evident in his obverse image.

https://coins.ha.com/itm/ancients/roman-imperial/ancients-gordian-iii-as-augustus-ad-238-244-av-aureus-20mm-471-gm-12h-ngc-msand-9733-5-5-4-5-/a/3106-33302.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-3106-01172023

HID02906262019

© 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Question about this auction? Contact Heritage World Coin Auctions