Hexassarion - Gordian III ΑΝΑΖΑΡΒΟΥ ΕΝΔΟΞ ΜΗΤΡΟ, Γ Β, ΕΤ ΑΞϹ, Anazarbus
| Uitgever | Anazarbus |
|---|---|
| Jaar | 242-243 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Waarde | Hexassarion (0.6) |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Samenstelling | Bronze |
| Gewicht | |
| Diameter | |
| Dikte | |
| Vorm | Round (irregular) |
| Techniek | Hammered |
| Oriëntatie | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| In omloop tot | |
| Referentie(s) | RPC Online VII.2#3185, SNG Leipzig 6#700-5 |
| Beschrijving voorzijde | Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III, right, seen from front. |
|---|---|
| Schrift voorzijde | Greek |
| Opschrift voorzijde |
ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΝΤωΝΙΟϹ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕ(Β) (Translation: Imperator Caesar Marcus Antonius Gordianus Augustus) |
| Beschrijving keerzijde | Male figure with pointed hat seated left, on rock, head right, holding fish trap (?). |
| Schrift keerzijde | Greek |
| Opschrift keerzijde | ΑΝΑΖΑΡΒΟΥ ΕΝΔΟΞ ΜΗΤΡΟ, Γ Β, ΕΤ ΑΞϹ |
| Rand | |
| Muntplaats | |
| Oplage |
ND (242-243) - Year ΑΞϹ = 261 - |
| Numisquare-ID | 1413237310 |
| Aanvullende informatie |
×
![]()
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.