Gordian III 238 - 244 A.D.
| Coin Description | Gordian III, silver Antoninianus, 22 mm, Grade ?? |
| Obverse | The portrait is of Gordian III a radiate (the spikey crown), draped and cuirassed bust facing right. The legend reads IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG meaning: IMP (Imperator = the Emperor / supreme military commander) GORDIANVS (his name) PIVS (Dutifull) FEL (Wise) AVG Augustus which defines him as the emperor. The legend is broken which is a sign of the highest respect and signifies him as the senior Augustus. |
| Reverse | The reverse shows Jupiter standing front, looking right, leaning on a sceptre and cradling a thunderbolt. The legend reads IOVI STATORI which translates as: To Jupiter the stayer/stabilizer. Stayer is one of the aspects of Jupiter that was worshipped by the Romans. Jupiter Stator caused troops to stop fleeing and stand their ground, turning defeat into victory. |
| Mint | Rome |
| The Entire Story | The entire story of this coin would read: Our Imperator Gordian III the Dutiful and Wise Augustus who dedicates this coin to Jupiter the stayer. Probably after a victory over the Persians. |
