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Æ31 - Gordian III ΦΛ ΦΙΛ ΝΕΩΚ ΚΑΙ ϹΜΥΡ Γ ΝΕΩΚ ΟΜΟ ΕΠΙ ΜΑΡΚ ΑΡ Α ΤΟ Β
| Issuer | Philadelphia (Conventus of Sardis) |
|---|---|
| Year | 238-244 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Obverse description | Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Emperor Gordian III facing right, depicted from the rear in the characteristic three-quarter back view common to provincial issues of this period. The imperial effigy is rendered with the paludamentum fastened at the shoulder, the cuirass visible beneath, and the laurel wreath crowning the head. The encircling Greek legend runs clockwise around the periphery of the flan. The portrait style is consistent with the mid-3rd century Lydian provincial workshop tradition. |
|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟϹ (Translation: Emperor Caesar Marcus Antonius Gordianus) |
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| Additional information |
The homonoia coinage shared between Philadelphia and Smyrna reflects a specific diplomatic ceremony — the formal declaration of concord between two cities — rather than any organic civic harmony. Smyrna held the rare distinction of triple neokorate status, meaning it had been granted the right to maintain three imperial cult temples, and Philadelphia was keen to associate itself with that prestige. The magistrate named in the legend, Markos Aurelius, held the title of archon for the second time, which is why the Β appears — a detail that helps sequence the civic coinage of Philadelphia under Gordian III with unusual precision.