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

Gordian III — A Young Emperor in an Age of Crisis

This silver double-denarius belongs to the reign of Gordian III, who became emperor while still a teenager. His coinage connects the youthful image of the ruler with the demands of governing an empire facing military and political instability.

Coin Details

• Ruler: Gordian III
• Reign and issue period: AD 238–244
• Empire/region: Roman Empire
• Denomination: Double-denarius, conventionally called an antoninianus
• Composition: AR — silver
• NGC grade: Ch VF — Choice Very Fine
• Sheldon-scale equivalent: 30–35
• 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 and His Place in Roman History

Gordian III became emperor in AD 238, aged about thirteen, after a succession crisis that brought several rival rulers to power. His family name offered continuity with Gordian I and Gordian II, whose brief revolt against Maximinus had ended earlier that year. Senior officials and military commanders played important roles in government during the young emperor’s reign.

One of the most influential was Timesitheus, the praetorian prefect whose daughter Tranquillina married Gordian. A major campaign carried the emperor east against the Sasanian Empire. Timesitheus died during the campaign, and Gordian himself died in AD 244. Ancient accounts disagree about the circumstances of his death. He was succeeded by Philip I, ending the brief Gordian dynasty.

What the Coin Tells Us

The double-denarius was a major component of third-century Roman currency. Although conventionally interpreted as worth two denarii when introduced, it did not contain twice the silver of a contemporary denarius. This tension between denomination and metal content helps explain the currency changes that followed during the century.

The emperor’s portrait and abbreviated titles identify the issuing authority, while different reverse types communicate ideals such as victory, security or divine support. Collectors can study those choices without assuming every coin of Gordian depicts the same scene. The supplied coin will match the stated ruler, denomination and grade; its individual design details may differ from the representative photographs.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one silver double-denarius of Gordian III in an NGC Ancients holder, graded Ch VF (Choice Very Fine). 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.