Gordian III, 238-244. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.07 g, 12 h), Rome, 239. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to right, seen from behind. Rev. P M TR P II COS P P Jupiter standing front, head to left, holding thunderbolt in his right hand and long scepter in his left; at his side to left, small figure of Gordian III, togate, standing front. Classical Numismatic Group 102 (2016), 1070 (same dies). Cohen -. Michaux 263. RIC -. Extremely rare, struck from aureus dies. Lightly toned. Struck from slightly worn dies, otherwise, good very fine.



This very rare type was long known only as an aureus (Calicó 3211 and RIC 21). A handful of silver specimens have since come to light, however, demonstrating that the issue was struck from the same dies in both aurei and denarii. Their rarity indicates that the issue was primarily intended for gold, with only a small number of denarii produced, though the precise circumstances remain unclear. For further discussion, see the useful commentary in Classical Numismatic Group 102 (2016), 1070.