Gordian III - Silver Antoninianus (Double Denarius) - RIC IV # 95 A.D. 241-243

Gordian III ruled during the turbulent period of the Military Crisis of the Third Century. After a chaotic 238 AD, he was proclaimed emperor to restore peace. Despite his youth, his reign saw relative stability and even a successful campaign against the Sassanian Persians in the East, driving them back across the Euphrates. His coinage is widely collected, being well-manufactured and often struck on good flans, providing a tangible link to this fascinating period of Roman history. He was tragically murdered at the young age of 19, making his coins a poignant memento of a promising reign cut short.

Imperial Denomination: Silver Antoninianus - The radiant crown (spike-y crown) indicates the coin is an Antoninianus.

Emperor: Gordian III (Marcus Antonius Gordianus). Gordian was the second-youngest sole emperor in Roman history, ascending to the throne at age 13.

Obverse (The Boy Emperor): The obverse features the youthful, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Emperor Gordian III, facing right. The legend, IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, praises him as the "Emperor Gordianus, Dutiful, Fortunate, Augustus".

Reverse (Imperial Virtue): The reverse proudly displays a figure representing the strength of the emperor under the legend VIRTVTI AVGVSTI (To the Courage/Virtue of the Emperor). This figure is often interpreted as Hercules, the legendary hero of strength and protector of the emperor, standing right, resting his hand on his hip, and holding his characteristic club which is set on a rock, with the lion-skin draped beside it. This coin was struck early in his personal rule and symbolically invoked the divine courage needed to stabilize the empire during the chaotic Crisis of the Third Century.

Grade: (based on seller's opinion) using AI Analysis:

This is a particularly attractive coin in a strong Extremely Fine (EF) condition. Both the radiate crown and portrait of the emperor’s face and the detailed figure of Hercules/Virtus including the lion-skin and club are sharply struck and well-centered, and the metal surface appears smooth with minimal circulation wear, making this a highly desirable addition for any collector of the Severan or Third Century period.