Byzantium Gordian III(?) large AE

[Jim Roberts]

Just wondering if anyone could confirm the emperor and give a reading of the inscriptions of this coin.  It's an AE-34 (20.0 g) from Byzantium, similar to #434 in the Mabbott sale: "Gordian III, 238-244.  Large bronze.  Bust r. / Four basket torches (alluding to Dianic witchcraft cult).  Mionnet 123."  The word BYZA(NT)ION at the bottom of the reverse is quite clear, but I've been unable to read the rest of the inscriptions through all the corrosion.  Unfortunately I don't have a copy of Mionnet.  Thanks for any help.

- Jim Roberts

[Steve Minnoch]

What I can see
O Β Κ Π AΛ
fits the legend Münsterberg implies for the only magistrate under Gordian III at Byzantium
http://snible.org/coins/library/muensterberg/thracia.html
EΠ Μ ΑVΡ ΔΙΟΝΥΣIΟΥ ΤO Β Κ Π AΛΕΞAΝΔΡΑΣ

Steve

[Jim Roberts]

Yes, that's clearly the right one!  I've been puzzling over that coin for many years.  Thanks a lot!

Jim

[curtislclay]

Yes, those are the only magistrates on coins of Byzantium under Gord. III: a man and a woman, M. Aurelios Dionysos and P. Alexandra, as usual at Byzantium from Sept. Sev. on.

Your coin seems to be Schönert-Geiss, Byzantion, 1798 (V 237-R445).  Gordian's left fist is visible in front of his bust.  We don't know what those "basket torches" are; I doubt very much that they allude "to a Dianic witchcraft cult"!

[Jim Roberts]

Thanks a lot for the additional information and the full attribution.  I'm surprised they had women as magistrates back then.  Something I wouldn't have suspected.

- Jim