GORDIAN III
AD 238-244
AE28. 13.11g, 28.5mm
MINTED: MOESIA INFERIOR, Nicopolis ad Istrum, AD 238-244. Modestus, magistrate.
REF: Varbanov 4233 (R4)
OBVERSE: AΥT K M ANTω ΓOΡΔIANOC AΓ (AΓ ligate), laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind.
REVERSE: ΥΠ CAB MOΔECTOΥ NIKOΠOΛEITΩN ΠΡOC ICTΡON, Tetrastyle temple containing statue of Tyche standing left, holding rudder and cornucopia; shield and spear in pediment.
 
Provenance:
Ex George Spradling Collection

Grade/Notes:
Very Fine. Dark black patina; slightly rough surfaces but with nice detail on the temple.
 
Historical Notes:
Following his victory over King Decebalus in the Dacian Wars (AD 101-106), Emperor Trajan reorganised the region and founded several cities, including Nicopolis, which was situated by the river Iatrus. Nicopolis flourished as a major trade centre throughout the 2nd century, though by the mid 3rd century, the region began to be increasingly subject to invasions by the barbarian tribes. The city was destroyed in AD 447 by the soldiers of Attila the Hun.