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Nomos 7

15 May 2013
Zunfthaus zur Saffran, Zürich
overview
Estimate: 50000 CHF
Hammer Price:  Unsold
Lot 191

Gordian III. AD 238-244. Medallion (Bimetallic, copper and orichalcum, 37mm, 65.96 g 12), Rome, 243-244. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FELIX AVG Laureate and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to left, holding a spear over his right shoulder with his right hand and with a shield over his left shoulder; on the shield, emperor riding left over a prostrate enemy, with Victory before him and a soldier behind. Rev. PAX AETERNA At the center, Sol, his right hand raised in salutation and holding a legionary standard in his left, standing facing in a facing quadriga; to left, legionary standard; below, reclining figures of the Euphrates and the Tigris facing each other; to right, Gordian, in military dress, standing left and sacrificing over altar to left; behind him, legionary standard and Victory, raising her right hand to crown him with a wreath. Cohen 172. Gnecchi II, p. 89, 24 and pl. 104, 7 (same obverse die). Very rare and impressive. Outer (copper) rim slightly corroded and with some deposits, but overall with a fine green patina, and with a fine high relief portrait. About extremely fine.


Ex M & M Numismatics, Ltd (USA), I, 7 December 1997, 361.

This rare and spectacular medallion was produced to commemorate the Roman campaign against the Persians, ostensibly led by Gordian but actually under the direction of his father-in-law, Timesitheus. This invasion proved very successful, the Romans winning a signal victory at the battle of Resaena in 243; this piece was probably minted at that time. The campaign itself came to an unsuccessful end with the deaths of both Timesitheus and Gordian III, both probably assassinated by the later emperor Philip I. The Romans produced bimetallic medallions (usually with copper rims encasing an orichalcum center) because of the attractive contrasting colors of red and gold they would have had when new.

Online bidding closes: 15 May 2013, 00:00:00 CEST Current Date & Time: 28 Mar 2024, 11:58:33 CET Remaining Time: Closed Hammer Price:Unsold

Pre-Bidding closes on 15 Mai 2013 at 0:00 CEST. Live bidding starts at 14:00 CET and is EXCLUSIVELY available on biddr. Separate registration is required.

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