Obolos 9

Gordian II, 238. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 31 mm, 18.80 g, 12 h), Rome, April 238. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian II to right. Rev. ROMAE AETERNAE / S C Roma seated left on shield, holding Victory in her right hand and long scepter in her left. BMC 23. Cohen 9. RIC 5. Very rare; green brown surfaces. Good fine.

From the collection of W. F. Stoecklin, Amriswil, Switzerland, acquired from De Majo in Geneva prior to WWII.

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.