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AR23 - Gordian III L Ϛ
| Issuer | Alexandria (Egypt) |
|---|---|
| Year | 242-243 |
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| Shape | Round (irregular) |
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| Obverse description | Laureate and cuirassed bust of Emperor Gordian III facing right, depicted three-quarter from the front, with a gorgoneion (apotropaic Medusa emblem) visible on the cuirass. The imperial effigy is rendered in the typical Alexandrian provincial style with bold, expressive features. The obverse legend, arranged around the bust, identifies the emperor by his imperial titulature in Greek characters. |
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| Reverse script | Greek |
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| Additional information |
Year 6 of Gordian III's reign corresponds to 242–243 AD, a moment when the young emperor — still a teenager — was preparing for the Persian campaign that would ultimately kill him on the Euphrates in early 244. The Alexandria mint was the sole producer of coinage for Roman Egypt, operating under a closed currency system that barred standard Roman silver from circulation in the province. Billon tetradrachms like this one were the highest denomination Egyptians would have handled for everyday transactions of any significance.