Coin Information: Tantalus S/N 34600
Image Rights: All Rights Reserved
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| Coin type: | Roman Provincial |
| Entered by: | scottatlaw |
| Added on: | Apr 22, 2009 |
| Ruler: | Gordian III (AVGVSTVS) |
| Region, City: | Moesia Superior, Viminacium |
| Coin: | F- AE Sestertius IMPGORDIANVSPIVSFELAVG - Laurelate, trabea draped bust right (viewed from front). PMSC-OLVIM - Moesia standing (bare arms hanging) between bull (advancing) and lion (advancing). |
| Exergue: | ANIIII |
| Mint: | (Year 4) |
| Wt./Size/Axis: | 15.28g / 29.75mm / - |
| Rarity: | R.9 |
| References: |
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| Acquisition/Sale: | Benjamin Stocks d/b/a Saxby's Coins www.ebay.com 3-20-2009 |
| Notes: | Apr 24, 09 - Photo is displayed courtesy of Benjamin Stocks d/b/a Saxby's Coins.
Unlisted in Pick, Jekov, Moushmov, Varbanov, and SNG Germany. This coin is imaged, but not properly attributed in SNG Hungary as numbers 194 and 223. This coin is imaged, but not properly attributed in Boric-Brescovic as number 343. Mine is the fifth example (I know of) of a year 4 Gordian III Viminacium coin depicting Gordian wearing the trabea (purple striped toga worn by the emperor). There is a slightly more common version of this coin struck during year 3. My die study of these coins has lead me to conclude that a handfull of dies depicting the trabea were cut for use during year 3. The year 4 coin is likely struck from a single left over obverse die at the very begining of year 4's production cycle (this was a somewhat common occurance during the entire life of the Viminacium mint). To the unframiliar eye, the trabea version of the Gordian III Viminacium Sestertius would appear almost identical to the standard draped and cuirassed version (especialy in more worn examples). The first key to spotting a trabea coin is to study the positioning of the bust. Is the bust being shown from behind or form in front? Trabea and cuirassed bust types are ONLY depicted viewing Gordian from the front. The reason for this is that the celator is trying to show you what the figure is wearing. In the case of Gordian's trabea, it would look too similar to the simple draped and cuirassed coins if depicted from the rear. In the case of Gordian's cuirass only coins, viewing the bust from behind would hide the scene of Victory depicted on Gordian's breastplate. Compare this coin to the typical Gordian III's draped & cuirassed bust: http://www.tantaluscoins.com/coins/31674.php You can tell that the bust (below the chin) in these two coins has been rotated a little more then 90 degrees from right to left. The shape of the bust and the unique style of facial features shown on this coin (and on the year 3 versions) make it easily identifiable even in rough condition. I regret that I do not have a higher grade specimen to illustrate the detail of the trabea. The best example of this type that I'm aware of comes from a year 3 specimen shown here: http://www.coinarchives.com/a/lotviewer.php?LotID=112401&AucID=128&Lot=1800 |
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