Pella had long since faded from its Macedonian royal glory by the time Gordian III's accession gave provincial mints a fresh excuse to strike. The city retained its Roman colonial status — Colonia Iulia Augusta Pella — a title awarded under Augustus, and the coins issued under it were as much civic self-promotion as they were currency.
Gordian III became emperor at thirteen, and the early provincial issues from 238–239 precede the consolidation of his reign under the praetorian prefect Timesitheus.
Pella had long since faded from its Macedonian royal glory by the time Gordian III's accession gave provincial mints a fresh excuse to strike. The city retained its Roman colonial status — Colonia Iulia Augusta Pella — a title awarded under Augustus, and the coins issued under it were as much civic self-promotion as they were currency.
Gordian III became emperor at thirteen, and the early provincial issues from 238–239 precede the consolidation of his reign under the praetorian prefect Timesitheus.