Hexassarion - Gordian III ΑΝΑΖΑΡΒΟΥ ΕΝΔΟΞ ΜΗΤΡΟ, Γ Β, ΕΤ ΑΞϹ, Anazarbus
| Issuer | Anazarbus |
|---|---|
| Year | 242-243 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Hexassarion (0.6) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RPC Online VII.2#3185, SNG Leipzig 6#700-5 |
| Obverse description | Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III, right, seen from front. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
| Obverse lettering |
ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΝΤωΝΙΟϹ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕ(Β) (Translation: Imperator Caesar Marcus Antonius Gordianus Augustus) |
| Reverse description | Male figure with pointed hat seated left, on rock, head right, holding fish trap (?). |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | ΑΝΑΖΑΡΒΟΥ ΕΝΔΟΞ ΜΗΤΡΟ, Γ Β, ΕΤ ΑΞϹ |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (242-243) - Year ΑΞϹ = 261 - |
| Numisquare ID | 1413237310 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: This Hexassarion, struck in Anazarbus during Gordian III's reign (238-244 AD), exemplifies provincial coinage of the mid-third century Roman Empire. Anazarbus, a prominent Cilician city, proudly declares itself ΑΝΑΖΑΡΒΟΥ ΕΝΔΟΞ ΜΗΤΡΟ (most glorious metropolis) and references its third neokorate. Dated ΕΤ ΑΞϹ (242-243 AD), this issue reflects relative stability under the young emperor before his Persian campaign, fulfilling local economic needs and reinforcing civic identity amidst escalating pressures.
Artistry: The anonymous Anazarban die engraver worked within Roman provincial stylistic conventions, merging imperial portraiture with local artistic traits. The obverse features a youthful, laureate portrait of Gordian III, adhering to official imperial iconography. The Hexassarion's reverse likely depicted a significant local deity, personification, or civic emblem. Rendered with a robust, often schematic style common to large provincial bronzes, the best examples showcase skill in conveying imperial authority and local pride, though rarely matching imperial mint refinement.
Technical/Grading: As a substantial bronze issue, the Hexassarion's technical strike qualities vary. Key high-points for evaluation include the emperor's hair and facial features, and central elements of the reverse design, such as a deity's head or drapery. A premium example displays full, clear legends, a relatively centered strike, and minimal die wear. However, uneven strikes, flan irregularities, and off-centering are common, making pieces with strong relief and sharp details particularly sought after.