THRACE. Anchialus. Gordian III, with Tranquillina, 238-244. Tetrassarion (Bronze, 27 mm, 10.91 g, 1 h), 241-244. AYT K M ANT ΓOPΔIANOC AYΓ CAB / TPANKYΛΛI/NA Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III, on the left, facing diademed and draped bust of Tranquillina, on the right.
Rev. OYΛΠIANⲰN AΓXIAΛΕ/ⲰN Galley under sail to right over waves, hull decorated with dolphin, fish, and octopus. AMNG II 682. RPC VII.2 online 1155. Varbanov 742. Minor roughness and with faint cleaning scratches
, otherwise, very fine.
From a European collection, formed before 2005.
The reverse of this coin presents one of the most finely detailed depictions of a ship in Roman coinage. The vessel, sailing to the right, is unmistakably a war galley, identified by its prominently visible ram despite the absence of oars. It is likely a liburna or a trireme, the most common warships of the Imperial fleet. However, it is not depicted in battle, as its sails are set.
On the deck, six crewmen can be seen, while the gubernator (helmsman) stands at the stern. Notably, on this example, the dolphin, fish, and octopus adorning the hull are visible. As these creatures are not shown in the water, they were most likely part of the ship’s decorative hull painting.
