GORDIAN III

AD 238-244 AE28. 12.98g, 28.4mm MINTED: THRACE, Odessus, AD 238-244 REF: Varbanov 4480 OBVERSE: ANTONIOC ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟC AVT KM, confronted busts of Gordian III and Serapis.

REVERSE: ΟΔΗCCEITΩN, Demeter standing left, holding grain ear and poppy and long torch; retrograde Є in right field.

Grade/Notes:

Good Fine. Blackish green patina.

Historical Notes:

Odessos (present day Varna, the second largest city in Bulgaria) was already an ancient settlement when it was established as a Greek trading outpost on the Black Sea Coast in the mid 6th century BC.  It was an important seaport under Roman rule and the city boasted high fortified walls and impressive public baths.  In AD 242, Emperor Gordian III visited the city on the occasion of its sporting games, which were held once every five years.  Featuring prominently on the coinage of Odessos was the Great God, a deity also known by his old Thracian name, Darzalas.