Æ35 - Gordian III ΗΡΑΚΛΕΩΤΑΝ ΠΟΝΤΩ

Heraclea Pontica had a long habit of punching above its weight in bronze coinage, and issues under Gordian III continued that tradition with some of the largest flans produced in the Black Sea coastal region. The city's prominence owed much to its position controlling access to the Pontic trade routes — a geographic advantage that survived successive waves of Roman provincial reorganization.

The ethnic legend ΗΡΑΚΛΕΩΤΑΝ ΠΟΝΤΩ is an uncommon genitive form distinguishing Heraclean issues from the many other cities claiming Heracles as civic patron.