MOESIA INFERIOR. Odessus. Gordian III, 238-244. Medallion (Bronze, 36 mm, 25.71 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 The Great God standing front, head to left, sacrificing from patera over lighted altar with his right hand and holding cornucopiae in his left. AMNG I 2314. RPC VII.2 online 1497. Varbanov 4444. Rare. Areas of weakness and with light doubling on the reverse, otherwise, about extremely 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.