Right Click on image Select "View Image" to Open Enlargement ANCIENT ROMAN IMPERIAL COINAGE of GORDIAN III ROMAN EMPIRE G O R D I A N III 29 July 238 - 25 February 244 A.D. Silver/BI Tetradrachm, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch. Struck Early 241 AD. 27mm 11.56 g. Larger than a U.S. Quarter and twice as heavy. Obverse: AYTOK K M ANT ?OP?IANOC C?B, Unabridged: AYTOK(-?????) K(-?????) M(-?????) ANT(-??????) ????????C CEB(-?????). Translation: "Emperor Caesar Marcus Antonius Gordian, August", Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right of Gordian III seen from behind. Reverse: ?HMAPX E? Y ?ATO B, Eagle standing facing, head left, with wings spread, holding wreath in beak; below, crescent above ram leaping left, head right. This second emission issue shows the absence of the SC on the reverse and its replacement by a ram (Aries) in a very particular position (looking backwards) under a crescent moon pointing up. It is a near certainty that this ram designates the city of Antioch. The usual interpretation is not very convincing (the Moon in Aries would be the astronomical position at the time of the foundation of the city) but not entirely without merit. Ref. Prieur 295; McAlee 972. Nearly XF, beautiful portrait, attractive toning. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OUR GUARANTEE: All illustrations are of the actual item offered. The authenticity of all pieces is fully guaranteed. Any item ever shown otherwise may be returned unaltered for full refund less shipping. If any item purchased is not to your satisfaction you may return it unaltered within 30 days of purchase for a full refund less shipping. We also guarantee absolute discretion and confidentiality in all transactions Copyright 2016-2017 ZEUS GALLERY ID zeus_gallery . Images are not actual size ~ Please see description for actual measurements.