Struck at the outset of Gordian III’s reign, this silver antoninianus reflects an empire seeking stability after one of the most violent and uncertain transitions in Roman history. Elevated to the throne as a teenager, Gordian III inherited a state eager for calm, continuity, and reassurance.
This coin pairs a youthful imperial portrait with imagery of peace, capturing the hopes invested in a new ruler at the dawn of his rule.
The History
This antoninianus was issued during the first years of Gordian III’s reign, following the upheaval of AD 238, a year marked by rapid succession, civil conflict, and the collapse of imperial authority. Gordian, still in his early teens, was presented as a unifying figure capable of restoring order after months of instability.
The reverse image of Pax, the personification of peace, was a deliberate choice. Holding a branch and a scepter, Pax symbolizes both reconciliation and the authority required to maintain it. Such imagery appeared frequently in the early issues of Gordian III, signaling a desire to project calm and legitimacy across the empire at a time when confidence in leadership was fragile.
The antoninianus itself had been introduced earlier in the third century as a larger silver denomination, and by Gordian’s reign it had become a principal vehicle for imperial messaging. Coins like this circulated widely, embedding official promises of peace into daily transactions. The gentle wear visible today reflects its original role as working currency during a period of profound transition.
What’s Included
The authentic ancient Roman silver antoninianus shown
Carefully prepared and set as a finished pendant
A sterling silver chain
Optional 14k gold chain upgrade available at checkout
Protective packaging suitable for storage or gifting
Documentation describing the coin and its historical context
Coin Details
Roman Imperial
Gordian III, AD 238–244
Silver antoninianus - Rome mint, struck AD 238–239
Obverse: Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Gordian III, right. Inscription: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG
Reverse: Pax standing half-left, holding a branch and a scepter. Inscription: PAX AVGVSTI
Gordian III Silver Antoninianus, Rome Mint (AD 238–239)
$650.00
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