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A silver denarius of the emperor Gordian III showing Diana with a torch. Coin Type: Silver denarius of Gordian III, Caesar 238 CE, Augustus 238-244 CE.
Mint and Date: Rome, 240 CE.
Size and Weight: 19mm x 21mm, 2.89g
Obverse: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
Laureate, draped bust right.
Reverse: DIANA LVCIFERA
Diana standing right, holding a lit torch with both hands.
Provenance: hjb-ancientcoins (eBay), March 2009
Ref: RCV (2005) 8673; RIC IV 127.
BW Ref: 052 040 138
Click on the picture for a larger scale view of the coin

Note: RIC, followed by Sear, say that Gordian III's two issues of common denarii (of which this coin is one) were issued in celebration of his marriage to Tranquillina in the summer of 241 CE. However, the emperor on horseback, emperor standing, and seated Apollo types issued at the same time are dated TR P III, showing that these issues were a year too early to be connected to the marriage. (Thanks to Curtis Clay for this information.)


The content of this page was last updated on 17 March 2009