Nomos 18

CAPPADOCIA. Caesaraea-Eusebia. 238-244. Tridrachm (Silver, 26 mm, 8.26 g, 12 h), regnal year 3 = 239/40. ΑV Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙ[ΑΝΟC CΕΒ] Laureate and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to left, holding spear over his right shoulder with his right hand and with a shield, ornamented with Nike crowning the emperor, over his left shoulder. Rev. [ΜΗΤΡΟΠ]-ΚΑΙCΑΡΙΑC / Β/Ν/Ε / ΕΤΓ Two highly ornamental columns standing on bases; each column topped with a crown-like capital and with an aedicula containing a standing statue at its bottom; between them, at the level of the capitals, agalma of Mt. Argaeus; to left and right of each column, military standard; in field to left, countermark of a head of Tyche within a rectangular indent. For the obverse: see Gorny & Mosch 215, 2013, 966 and SNG von Aulock 6523; for the reverse: see Sydenham 599. For the countermark: Howgego 849. Extremely rare, perhaps unpublished. With an especially well-made portrait bust and a fascinating reverse. Struck slightly flat and off center, otherwise, about extremely fine.