Obolos 42

Gordian II, 238. Sestertius (Bronze, 29.5 mm, 17.27 g, 12 h), Rome, April 238. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian II to right. Rev. VIRTVS AVGG /S-C Virtus, helmeted, standing to left, holding grounded shield in right hand and spear in left. BMC 31-2. RIC 8. Banti 7. Green patina overlaid with earthen highlights. Old scratches on the reverse, otherwise, nearly very fine.

The coinage of the Gordiani is one of the more intriguing of all Roman issues. Their revolt in Africa seems to have lasted only just more than a month before being put down by supporters of Maximinus I, but during this time the mint of Rome managed to produce a very attractive coinage of silver and bronze (and undoubtedly gold as well). How did this occur in such a short time? The most likely explanation is that their revolt was part of a wide-ranging conspiracy and that designs for a coinage had been secretly prepared far in advance of the rising. Thus, coins were struck immediately at a given signal so that money would be available to buy support against the hated Maximinus. Upon their defeat this coinage was probably recalled and used for issues of their successors.