Gordian III AR Antoninianus, Rome, AD 238–244, PAX AVGVSTI, RIC 3

Gordian III, denarius (radiate bust, antoninianus standard), silver, reign AD 238–244, Rome mint, AD 238–244, 3.25 g, 20 mm. Obverse: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG; radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Reverse: PAX AVGVSTI; Pax standing facing, head left, holding branch and sceptre. Struck at Rome on a slightly irregular flan; obverse marginal weakness with slight off‑centering; reverse with areas of flatness and light porosity; die axis approx. 6h. Reference: RIC IV Gordian III 3. This early imperial issue advertises “the peace of the emperor” following the upheavals of AD 238, when Gordian III came to power as a teenager after the collapse of multiple short-lived rulers. The radiate crown identifies the piece as tariffed as an antoninianus (double denarius), a denomination expanded under the Severan and later emperors to fund military needs. Pax on the reverse reflects the government’s message of restored stability while the regime prepared for campaigns on the eastern frontier against the Sasanian Persians.