Gordian III, 238-244. Antoninianus (Silver, 22 mm, 4.09 g, 6 h), uncertain mint in the East, 244. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG Radiate and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to right, seen from behind. Rev. LAETITIA AVG N Laetitia standing front, head to left, holding wreath in her right hand and anchor in her left. Bland, Coinage, -. Cohen -. Michaux -. RIC -. RIC IV.3 (forthcoming) 706A (this coin). Unique and of great numismatic interest. Minor areas of weakness and with very light doubling on the obverse, otherwise, extremely fine.



This intriguing imitation combines a bust type from Antioch with a reverse from Gordian’s final issue struck at the Rome mint (cf. RIC 86). The style is remarkable, though slightly unusual. Particularly striking is the raised circular ridge on the obverse, which follows the legend and nearly encircles the portrait like a halo. This feature was likely intended as a guide for letter placement, gradually widening in the die over successive strikes. The piece belongs to a very small group of antoniniani pairing Antiochene obverses with Roman reverses. Whether they were produced at an official mint that, amid the upheaval following Shapur’s victory at Misiche, struck coins hastily and without full system, or whether they represent irregular issues of excellent style and fine metal, remains uncertain. In any case, these coins will be included in the forthcoming edition of RIC IV.3, with our specimen catalogued as RIC 706A. We extend our sincere thanks to R. Bland for this information.