Crowned by the will of soldiers and swept into power at just 14, Gordian III was the youngest sole emperor of the Roman Empire—a child thrust into the whirlwind of imperial rule during one of Rome’s most volatile eras. This silver Antoninianus, or double denarius, was struck during his brief six-year reign, a period marked by both fleeting stability and looming crisis.
On the obverse, Gordian appears in radiate crown and imperial drapery, his youthful features rendered with striking clarity. The surrounding legend, IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, proclaims him “Pious and Fortunate Augustus”—a title hopeful, perhaps, in a time when emperors lived under constant threat.
The reverse honors Fortuna Redux, goddess of safe returns and divine favor. Seated gracefully, she holds a rudder and overflowing cornucopiae, guiding fate and abundance alike. A wheel rests beneath her seat, symbolizing the capricious nature of fortune—a poignant choice for an emperor whose destiny was as brief as it was brutal.
This 4.4-gram silver relic is housed in a handcrafted 14K gold setting, blending ancient imperial legacy with modern elegance. A striking reminder of youthful ambition, fleeting power, and the enduring grandeur of Rome.
Product Description:
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Coin Type: Hand struck
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Denomination: Double Denarius, also called Antoninianus
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Mint: during Roman Imperial period
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Empire: Roman
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Ruler: Gordian III
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Date: from 238-244 C.E.
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Metal: Silver
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Weight: 4.4 grams
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Obverse: Bears the radiated, draped bust of Gordian III, the Pius, facing right. Legend reads IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG.
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Reverse: Depicts Fortuna, goddess of Good Fortune seated left with rudder and cornucopiae, wheel beneath. Legend reads FORT REDUX. Sear 8612.
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Setting: Handcrafted in 14K gold.
Certificate of Authenticity with photo specific images included.
Inv# A 51834
