CARIA, Aphrodisias. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ Trissarion (34.5mm, 20.75 g, 6h). Good Fine.

Electronic Auction 531 – Session 1
Lot: 554. Estimated: $ 200

Roman Provincial, Bronze

Sold For $ 275. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Go to Live

CARIA, Aphrodisias. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ Trissarion (34.5mm, 20.75 g, 6h). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Centaur standing right, holding bow and arrow. MacDonald, Coinage, Type 184 (O232/R426); RPC VII.1 621.12 (this coin); SNG von Aulock 2462 (same obv. die). Earthen brown patina, some roughness, scratches on reverse. Good Fine. Rare.

From the Dr. Jay M. Galst Collection. Ex Roma E-Sale 53 (7 February 2019), lot 601.

The centaur represented on the reverse of this coin must be Chiron, a figure highly respected as an oracle, an astrologer, and a teacher of a number of Greek heroes; most notably, he was the athletic instructor of the hero Achilles. The appearance of Chiron on this coin may be an allegorical representation for the initiation of a local athletic event. A good possibility, according to MacDonald, is the institution of the Gordianea Attalea, games established by Gordian III and commemorated on contemporary issues from the city.

Closing Date and Time: 25 January 2023 at 13:04:20 ET.

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