MOESIA INFERIOR. Odessus. Gordian III, 238-244. Medallion (Bronze, 34 mm, 26.06 g, 1 h), circa 241-244. 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 Gordian, radiate and in military attire, standing facing, head to left, holding patera in his right hand and inverted spear in his left; at his feet to left, lighted tripod. AMNG I 2317. RPC VII.2 online 1496. SNG Copenhagen 679. Varbanov 4440. Minor flatness and the obverse struck slightly off center
, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From a German collection of exceptional Moesian and Thracian bronze coins, formed before 2005.
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
