MOESIA INFERIOR. Odessus. Gordian III, 238-244. Medallion (Bronze, 36 mm, 29.46 g, 1 h). AYT K M ANT ΓOPΔIANOC AYΓ Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to left, raising his right hand in salute and holding globe in his left. Rev. OΔHCCEITΩN The Great God, in the center, standing front, head to left, holding patera over altar in his right hand and cornucopiae in his left; to left, Herakles standing front, head to right, resting his right hand on club; to right, Athena standing front, head to left, resting her right hand on shield set on ground and holding spear in her left. Varbanov 4445. Extremely rare. Light doubling on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.


What makes the bronze medallions of Gordian III from Marcianopolis, Odessus and Tomis particularly interesting is the fact that they were all struck from the same obverse die. They were either produced by a travelling workshop or, rather, struck on the occasion of regional festivities such as sacred games held jointly by the three cities.