Boy emperor - Gordian III

The first ancient coin I bought was one of Gordian III. Born into the respected Gordian family—grandson of Gordian I and nephew of Gordian II—Gordian III became emperor at the age of about 15, following the deaths of the previous rulers in the "Year of the Six Emperors." Despite his youth, Gordian III became a figurehead ruler in an attempt to restore stability after a year of bloodshed. However, due to his age, the actual power was held by others, particularly the Praetorian Prefects, first Timisitheus and later Philip the Arab.

This denarius is similar to the first ancient coin I bought. Rome mint, 4th officina. 7th emission, mid AD 240. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right R/ Salus standing right, feeding serpent held in arms.

Timisitheus, a skilled general, played a significant role in Gordian’s early reign, guiding the young emperor and taking on the responsibility of ruling the empire. Timisitheus even arranged for Gordian to marry his daughter, Tranquillina, further solidifying his control. Under Timisitheus’ leadership, the empire experienced a brief period of peace, but the real power remained in his hands. When Timisitheus died in 243 AD, Gordian III’s position became more vulnerable, and Philip the Arab succeeded him as Praetorian Prefect. With Gordian III’s declining influence, Philip eventually orchestrated his murder in 244 AD and assumed the imperial throne.

Gordian III's reign may have been short, but it left behind a legacy in the form of his coins, which offer valuable insights into this period of Roman history. Despite the lack of significant political events during his rule, his coinage provides a window into the empire's culture and political landscape. The bronze sestertii of Gordian III, for instance, are known for their fine craftsmanship and attractive designs. These coins are typically well-struck and reflect the relative stability of the empire during the time of Gordian’s nominal rule. On the obverse of these coins, Gordian III is depicted with the legend "IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG," highlighting his imperial status.

The reverse of Gordian III’s sestertii often features various symbols of Roman virtues. One common reverse type depicts Liberty (Libertas) holding the pileus, the liberty cap, symbolizing freedom and the restoration of order after a period of crisis. These coins are well-regarded by collectors for their solid craftsmanship and reasonable prices compared to the more expensive coins of earlier emperors. The sestertii struck during his reign are some of the most sought-after examples of Roman coinage, offering both aesthetic appeal and historical significance.

A particularly rare coin type from Gordian III’s reign is the sestertius minted when he was Caesar under the joint rule of Balbinus and Pupienus in 238 AD. During this brief period, Gordian was a subordinate ruler, and few coins were minted under his name. These coins are rarer than those from his later reign as emperor and often feature a youthful, bare-headed portrait of the emperor. Despite their relative rarity, coins from this period are less commonly collected than those from his later reign, as only specialists in this time period tend to seek them out. Collectors need to be cautious, however, as fakes are sometimes produced by altering coins of Gordian III to make them appear as earlier, rarer issues.

Gordian III’s silver coins, such as the denarii and antoniniani, are also notable for their fine design and craftsmanship. The denarii, which were the traditional Roman silver coins, feature Gordian III with a laurel wreath, a symbol of military triumph. These coins, although less common as the empire shifted toward the antoninianus (a double-denomination coin), are valued for their quality and historical importance. The antoniniani, which show the emperor with a radiate crown, reflect the shift in Roman coinage during this period. The silver antoniniani, often struck with thin flans, were commonly used during Gordian III’s reign and are still found in many collections today.

A fascinating aspect of Gordian III’s coinage is the issue of coins from the eastern mint, likely located in Antioch. These coins, especially the antoniniani, are distinguished by their heavier weight and fine style. Eastern mint coins often depict a more detailed portrait of Gordian III, with visible sideburns, marking his transition from youth to adulthood. The coins from Antioch are also heavier than those struck in Rome, indicating that they were intentionally made with a higher weight standard. These coins, though not particularly common, are prized by collectors for their distinctive style and quality.

In addition to the official Roman coins, there are also barbarous imitations of Gordian III’s coins. These "fourrée" coins, made from base metals, often feature crude designs and were produced by local populations outside the empire who copied Roman coinage. One interesting example is a barbarous imitation featuring the attributes of Aequitas, the personification of fairness, combined with the legend "PAX AVG" (Peace of the Emperor). These imitations are valuable for collectors interested in the spread of Roman influence and the local adaptations of Roman culture.

Although Gordian III’s reign was politically controlled by others and ended tragically, his coinage serves as a testament to the era’s artistic and numismatic achievements. His coins remain a popular area of interest for collectors and historians alike, offering a glimpse into the empire’s efforts to restore order after a time of chaos. Despite being largely a figurehead, Gordian III's image on the coins of his reign continues to captivate those who study the history of Rome and its emperors. Through these coins, Gordian III's legacy endures, offering valuable insights into a turbulent period of Roman history.