Emperor Gordian III, antoninianus, silver, reign 238-244 CE, minted 241

Emperor Gordian III, antoninianus, silver, reign 238-244 CE, minted 241 CE, weight c. 4.1 g, diameter c. 23 mm. Obverse: legend IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG; radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Reverse: legend P M TR P IIII COS II P P; Apollo seated left, holding laurel branch in right hand and lyre in left. Strike: high-relief dies with generally sharp detail; flan normally centred. Toning: surviving pieces show light cabinet tone with occasional silver crystallisation. References: RIC IV Gordian III 88; Cohen 280; RSC 88. The antoninianus became the principal silver denomination after its introduction by Caracalla in 215 CE, but by Gordian III’s reign its silver content was already in decline, reflecting fiscal strain on the imperial treasury. The titulature TR P IIII COS II dates this issue to 241 CE, the year Gordian obtained his fourth tribunician power and second consulship while preparing for a major eastern campaign against the Sasanian king Shapur I. Displaying Apollo—associated with harmony, healing, and prophetic guidance—reinforced traditional religious imagery and conveyed the young emperor’s aspiration for divine support and civic stability during forthcoming military operations.