Gordian III AR Tetradrachm

The main legacy of Gordian III is that he was the youngest emperor to ever rule Rome, being a year younger than even Elagabalus. Gordian was essentially a figurehead propped up by the Senate and the Praetorian Guard after the deaths of Pupienus and Balbinus, and the empire was ruled by his father-in-law, the praetorian prefect Timesitheus.

Gordian's reign was a brief respite of stablity. Timesitheus was a very capable leader, protecting the eastern frontier against the Sassanians. The situation deteriorated, however, after the sudden death of Timesitheus, which deprived the young emperor of his most capable advisor. Leadership of the army passed to the ambitious praetorian prefect Philip the Arab, and Gordian was either killed in battle or murdered in Mesopotamia.

Note the perfect strike on this coin! Well centered, you can make out every single detail on the eagle's wings. The coin has this reflective luster all over, and it looks absolutely beautiful.