Roman Imperial
Gordian III (238-244), Sestertius 241-243, Rome mint
Obverse: laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right
IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG
Reverse: Jupiter standing facing, head right, holding long sceptre and thunderbolt, SC across fields
IOVI STATORI
Weight 20,95 g.
The coins of the reigning Gordian III from 238-244 AD are unfairly enjoying moderate interest from collectors. The fact is that the antoninians (double denarii) of this ruler are among the most popular silver Roman coins, but other coins minted in his name, especially sesterces, are much rarer. The legend of the reverse in the IOVI STATORI dedication date refers to the most important of the Olympic gods as the one who establishes and guards the world order.