Gordian III. AE 36

Gordian III; 238-244 AD, Odessus, Moesia Inferior, AE 36, 29.49g. RPC-VII.2, 1493, Varbanov-4445. Obv: AYT K M ANT ΓOPΔ-IANOC AYΓ, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust l. raising hand in salute and holding globe. Rx: OΔHC-C-EI-TΩN, The Great God, in the center, holding patera over altar and cornucopia; to l., Herakles, resting hand on club; to r., Athena, resting hand on shield set on ground and holding spear. What makes the bronze medallions of Gordian III from Marcianopolis, Odessus and Tomis particularly interesting is the fact that they were all struck from the same obverse die. They were either produced by a travelling workshop or, rather, struck on the occasion of regional festivities such as sacred games held jointly by the three cities. Ex Curtis L. Clay Collection; Ex Leu EA15, Feb. 2021, lot 1071; Ex Lanz 109, May 2002, lot 723; From a private Swiss collection.. VF