Gordian III (AD 238–244) Roman Empire AR Double-Denarius NGC AU

Gordian III — A Young Emperor in the Third-Century Crisis

This silver double-denarius represents Gordian III, who became emperor as a teenager during a turbulent year of civil war.

Coin Details

• Ruler: Gordian III
• Reign and issue period: AD 238–244
• Empire/region: Roman Empire
• Denomination: Double-denarius (antoninianus)
• Composition: AR (silver)
• NGC grade: AU — About Uncirculated
• Sheldon-scale equivalent: 50–53
• Quantity supplied: One encapsulated coin

The Sheldon-scale number is an equivalent associated with the stated ancient-coin grade; it is not a separate numerical grade assigned to the coin.

Gordian III — Youth, Regency and the Persian Campaign

Gordian III was proclaimed emperor in AD 238 after the rapid fall of several rival rulers. Because he was only thirteen, experienced officials and later the praetorian prefect Timesitheus played major roles in government.

A Roman campaign recovered territory from the Sasanian Empire, but Timesitheus died and Philip the Arab became praetorian prefect. Gordian died in the East in AD 244 under circumstances that remain disputed, and Philip succeeded him.

What the Coin Tells Us

The radiate antoninianus was valued above the denarius and became increasingly important during the third century. Under Gordian III it was still struck with appreciable silver, though the denomination would decline sharply in later decades.

Gordian’s abundant coinage promoted military victory, public virtue and the favor of the gods. It is one of the most accessible material records of a young emperor whose reign was longer than many others in the crisis.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one silver double-denarius of Gordian III in an NGC Ancients holder, graded AU (About Uncirculated). A specific mint, issue year, reverse design, inscription, weight or diameter is not promised unless expressly stated above.

Stock-photo notice: The photographs are representative of the product offering. The coin supplied may differ from the pictured example in portrait style, reverse design, inscriptions, centering, toning, surface appearance and other individual characteristics while remaining within the stated coin type and any expressly stated grade.