Gordian I, 238. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 31 mm, 21.28 g, 1 h), Rome, March-April 238. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian I to right, seen from behind. Rev. P M TR P COS P P / S - C The Roman Senate, togate, standing front, head to left, holding olive branch in his right hand and parazonium in his left. BMC 4. Cohen 3. RIC 7. Rare. Boldly struck on an exceptionally full flan and with a splendid portrait. Somewhat smoothed, otherwise, about extremely fine.




What is especially interesting about the revolt of the Gordiani is the fact that despite the brevity of their rule - they were acknowledged as Augusti in Rome from circa April 1 to 22 - the Rome mint issued a well-designed coinage in their name consisting of very rare but carefully produced aurei, denarii and sestertii. This blends in well with the rarity of Maximinus' last emission in Rome, TR P IIII (struck in silver only after TR P III of the previous year 237 had been issued in denarii, sestertii, dupondii and asses), as it suggests that the revolt of the Gordiani was part of a wider and well-prepared conspiracy that included influential circles in the capital. If this is true, we may assume that the mint of Rome, in anticipation of the regime change, had largely ceased striking coins in the name of Maximinus I in early 238 and instead prepared the drafts and dies for a comprehensive coinage in the name of the Gordiani. When news of the revolt, which occurred in Africa on 22 March 238, reached Rome in early April, the mint immediately started issuing coins for the new Augusti, but their swift and unexpected downfall led to an abrupt end of the emission on 22 April 238, explaining the rarity of their coinage today. Sestertii, in particular, are very hard to find in attractive condition, and the present piece, beautifully struck on a very broad flan, is thus a remarkable exception.