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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,749 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
Gordian III is probably one of the most common Roman Emperors a collector could acquire. They are generally well made, beautifully executed coins. They are abundant and found in high grades for a very small sum. As of late I have been collecting Eastern and non Classical coins both ancient and medieval, and I have to admit the coin was not on my list, but I spotted it for cheap and had to have it, as it was totally appropriate to my collection. Many people here are familiar with the back story of Gordian III. The Romans record that he was murdered by the leader of the Praetorian Guard, Philip the Arab so he could usurp the throne and strengthen Rome. Gordian III is often portrayed as a naive child and a weak emperor. Goridan might have been a weak, young and naive emperor but the facts surrounding Gordian's death in the West are the products of hear say and the Roman agenda. As we journey into the East we find the Sassanian Persian account of what really happened to Gordian. (Carved in Stone) The Battle of Misiche, Mesopotamia (244 AD) Gordian III vs. Shapur I Battle is only mentioned on the trilingual inscription king Shapour made at Naqsh-e Rustam: When at first we had become established in the empire, Gordian Caesar raised in all of the Roman Empire a force from the Goth and German realms and marched on Babylonia against the Empire of Iran and against us. On the border of Babylonia at Misikhe, a great frontal battle occurred. Gordian Caesar was killed and the Roman force was destroyed. And the Romans made Philip Caesar. Then Philip Caesar came to us for terms, and to ransom their lives, gave us 500,000 denars, and became tributary to us. And for this reason we have renamed Misikhe Peroz-ShapurRoman Empire Gordian III (r.238-244) Antioch, Syria (AD 243/44) AR Double Denarius 23 mm x 4.13 grams Obverse: Radiant, Cuirassed Bust of Gordian III right. Latin legend- IMP GORDIANVSPIVS FEL AVG. Reverse: Sol standing left, right hand raised in salute and left hand holding out globe. Latin Legend - ORIENS AVG Ref: RIC 213, Cohen 167 Note: Rare type of Eastern mint.  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5155 Posts |
I will also use this as another excuse to post the Great Shapur. Persia, The Sassanid Kingdom Ctesiphon, Iraq Shapur I The Great King Shah of Persia (240 -272 AD) AR Drachm 24.5 mm x 4.11 grams Obv. Bust of Shapur I right with earring; crown with ear flap. Pahlavi script- "The Mazda Worshiper. the divine Shapur, King of Kings of Iran whom descended from the Gods. Rev. Zoroastrian Alter with Two Attendants.-Pahlavi script-"The Fire of Shapur" ref: Gobl I/1  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
Wow, great coins. I love the portrait on that Shapur. Thanks also for the writeup.
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
One of my favorite mid Roman Imperial period emperors, he had the potential of being a good emperor had he lived. Nice coin. As for the Shapur, I think that is one ugly coin and has no place in your collection. You should give it away to someone, because your my good friend I'll take it off your hands.  Just kidding of course, excellent coin and I want one. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
Orfew - thanks for your reply. I am glad you appreciate the quick write ups. Its people like you that make it more than worth while. Echizento - Regarding the Shapur I, you are absolutely right, hold your breath I'll send it out right now... I am really happy you guys like my coin(s). The Gordian III is a new addition, the Shapur I is an upgrade I made last year to one I had owned and subsequently sold to another collector a couple years back. It really is one of my favorite coins and I was truly fortunate to have obtained such a high grade example in my budget tier. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
I always enjoy the write-up's, Nate. Thanks for sharing the coins and your knowledge! That Shapur is magnificent.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
BOBL. I have a lead on something you might be interested in, can you send me a PM? I tried yours but is disabled.
And thanks for the kind words, my friend.
Edited by Ancientnoob
06/05/2015 3:14 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Quote:
can you send me a PM? Just attempted to do so...hopefully it worked. I'm new at the PM stuff. I also attempted to change my profile to allow for messages. Worst case scenario, feel free to use the contact form at boblangnas.com Thanks! |
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Bob your all set you should have no problem sending and receiving PM's
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
Bob - PM sent through CCF.
Ron thank you.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4971 Posts |
excellent coins and write up AN! as common as gordin iii is, I never got around to getting a nice coin of his until recently. here's my only one currently..  |
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Here is one of his provincials:   |
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Valued Member
United States
129 Posts |
Nice coins and write up. The coins with Zoroastrian imagery are some of my favorites to see.
Side note -- Isn't it just as likely Shapur would 'embellish' his defeat of the Roman forces? Poor Gordian III...at least he lasted longer than I and II.
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,749 |
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Posted 06/05/2015 12:59 pm
