Extremely rare Gordian III bronze minted in Tarsus.
In RPC VII.2 3143 catalogue only 15 specimens but this variety with Γ Β in exerque is known only 1 specimen.
Roman Provincial
Cilicia, Tars, Gordian III (238-244), AE37, Tars mint
Obverse: bust of Gordian facing right, on the sides Π Π, abbreviation of the Greek πατήρ πατρίδος, Latin equivalent of Pater Patriae (father of the fatherland)
Reverse: Gordian with Tranquillina, around the inscription ΤΑΡϹΟΥ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛƐΩϹ (i.e. Metropolia Tars), in the field the letters Α Μ Κ Γ Β - A M K are the letters denoting the official titles of Tarsus: the first, the greatest, the most beautiful (A as the first letter of the alphabet is equivalent to the number 1 = first , M and K are the first letters of the Greek words μεγίστης and καλλίστης), Γ Β is most likely an abbreviation of γράμματι βουλῆς understood as the law of the council of elders (a bit like the equivalent of the letters S C or senatus consulto on imperial bronzes), i.e. the entire inscription on the reverse of the law means: the council of the first, most wonderful and beautiful city of Tarsus '
Diameter 37 mm, weight 22.75 g
