Sestertius of Emperor Gordian III

  • Era/Century: Antique
  • Dating: 242–243
  • Manufacture/Publisher: Mint of Viminacium
  • Material: bronze
  • Technique: forging
  • Diameter: 3.1 cm
  • Weight: 16.59 g
  • ID Number: LSD 157
  • Property: Belgrade City Museum
  • On Display: No

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With the setting up a local mint at Viminacium in 239, the bronze struck at other mints almost vanished from the Singidunum market. The Viminacium coinage became predominant, struck in three denominations equal to the senatorial sestertius, dupondius and as in their respective weights. This was the only Roman mint in the territory of present-day Serbia.

The obverse of this piece shows the Emperor's bust surrounded by the legend IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG.

The reverse bears the standing figure of a young woman, personification of the province of Moesia.

She is flanked by a bull, the emblem of the 7th Claudian legion stationed at Viminacium, and a lion, the emblem of the 4th Flavian legion based at Singidunum.

The inscription is still more revealing: P M S C O-L VIM, meaning Provincia Moesia Superior Colonia Viminacium. The exergue contains AN III, meaning that the piece was struck in the third year of the local, Viminacium, era, beginning in October 239. Hence we know it was struck in 242/3. information of great interest to classical historians and archaeologist. Viminacium issued coins until 254/5, i.e. for sixteen years of the local era.

Published in Coins and Medals

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