GORDIANUS III CAESAR, RIC 1, Date 238 AD, Silver Denarius Rome, Priestly Emblems

★ Very rare Gordianus RIC 1 Caesar Denarius type - very fine condition - nice details at booth sides - some minor deposits - small flan cut off - interesting example - private pedigree from the 19th century include original collector ticket ★
Marcus Antonius Gordianus III as Caesar
Reign: Balbinus and Pupienus
Mint: Rome
Date: April-June 238 AD
Nominal: Denarius
Material: Silver
Diameter: 18mm
Weight: 2.78g
Pedigree: From a Dutch collection formed in the 19th century, include original collector's ticket
Reference: Cohen 182
Reference: RIC IV Gordian III (Caesar) 1
OCRE Online: numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.4....
Obverse: Bust of Gordian III, bare-headed, draped, right
Inscription: M ANT GORDIANVS CAES
Translation: Marcus Antonius Gordianus Caesar
Reverse: Priestly emblems: jug between lituus and knife on the left and simpulum and sprinkler on right
Inscription: PIETAS AVGG
Translation: Pietas Duorum Augustorum
Translation: Piety of the two Augusti
Comment: 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.