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Gordian I Africanus. AD 238. AR Denarius (19.5mm, 3.28 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck 1-22 April AD 238. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Roma seated left on throne, holding Victory and scepter; oval shield below throne. RIC IV 4; RSC 8. Lightly toned, light porosity, faint scratch. Good VF. Good portrait. Rare.
Gordian I and his son Gordian II share the dubious distinction of having the shortest reigns of any "legitimate" Roman emperors. Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus had distinguished genes but a rather uneventful career as a Senator, finally becoming Consul at the advanced age of 64. He was approaching his 80s when, in AD 237/8, the Emperor Maximinus I appointed him governor of North Africa, where he was expected to enforce the regime’s draconian taxation. In March of 238, a group of young African nobles murdered the emperor’s tax agent. Realizing they’d passed the point of no return, the rich rebels sent a delegation to Gordian begging him to accept the purple as a rival to the unpopular Maximinus, who was campaigning on the Rhine frontier. At first reluctant, Gordian accepted their acclamation as Augustus on March 19 and appointed his son, Gordian II, as co-emperor. The Senate, which had always hated the brutish Maximinus, eagerly approved their elevation and began striking coins in their names. But Maximinus ordered his loyal governor in Numidia, Capellianus, to attack Carthage and crush the revolt. Gordian II died in battle on April 12, AD 238 and his father hanged himself upon hearing of its outcome. They had together reigned a mere 22 days.
Despite their brief production run, coins of Gordian I and II are notable for their excellent portraiture and careful quality control. On this rare silver denarius, the elder Gordian appears as a distinguished older gentleman with thin, hawkish features.
Closing Date and Time: 16 December 2020 at 12:35:40 ET.
All winning bids are subject to an 18% buyer’s fee.
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