EGYPT, Alexandria. Gordian III. As Caesar, AD 238. Potin Tetradrachm (22mm, 12.79 g, 11h). Dated RY 1 (AD 238). VF.

Electronic Auction 571 – Session 1
Lot: 573.
Closing Date: Sep 25 2024 10:00 ET

The Beniak Collection of Alexandrian Coinage, Potin

Estimate: $ 100

BID NOW

EGYPT, Alexandria. Gordian III. As Caesar, AD 238. Potin Tetradrachm (22mm, 12.79 g, 11h). Dated RY 1 (AD 238). M AN ΓOPΔIANOC OC (sic) CЄB, Bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Athena standing facing, head left, holding spear, hand on grounded shield; L A (date) in field. Köln –; Dattari (Savio) 10189; K&G –; RPC VII.2 3687.2 (this coin); Emmett 3380.1. Brown patina, slight roughness. VF. Extremely rare, only four known to RPC.

From the Dr. Thomas E. Beniak Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 281 (20 June 2012), lot 249.

It is difficult where to place this obverse die, which seems to be the result of some confusion. It could be either the earliest die for Gordian as Caesar, in which case the engraver gave him the wrong imperial title, or the earliest die as Augustus, albeit with a continuation of the use of the bare head for the Caesar issues (the legend shows no signs of being re-engraved over an earlier legend). In either case, the name is clearly blundered, and a first issue as Caesar would seem a more logical time for such an error to occur.

Closing Date and Time: 25 September 2024 at 13:10:40 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.