Roman Silver Gordian III Coin Pendant

Name: Roman Silver Gordian III Coin Pendant - St James Ancient Art
Brand: Roman Empire
SKU: RES-312
Price: 150.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

£ 150.00

A Roman silver coin minted during the reign of Gordian III, encased in a silver pendant frame. The obverse depicts the profile of the Emperor, facing right and wearing a radiate crown on his head. The area surrounding the emperor is inscribed with the legend ‘IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG’. The reverse of the coin depicts a recognisable figure from Roman mythology; the goddess Fortuna surrounded by the legend ‘FORTVNA REDVX’. The goddess is seated to the left, holding a cornucopia in her left hand and resting her right hand on a rudder. There is a spoked wheel at the base of her seat. The coin is framed in a modern 925 sterling silver, pendant frame, which has a loop at the top for suspension.

The measurements given are for the entire length of the pendant, from the top of the suspension loop to the base of the frame. Measurements for the coin alone are c. 2.4cm length x 2.3cm width.

SKU: RES-312
Categories: Roman Empire, New Items
Tags: Female Figures, Inscription, Male Figures
Date: Circa AD 240-244
Condition: Very fine condition. Legends still clear. Reverse is depicted upside down when suspended correctly.

Description
Additional information

Gordian III became a Roman emperor at thirteen years old, making him one of the youngest rulers in Roman history. His reign followed a year of intense political chaos, and his image on coinage helped project stability, legitimacy, and divine favour. The image of Fortuna on the reverse symbolises prosperity, good fortune, and safe passage for the Roman state, especially meaningful during a time of uncertainty and military campaigns. Coins like this were widely circulated to reassure the populace that Rome’s destiny remained guided by Fortune and under capable imperial authority. This particular coin, with the combination of legends and reverse iconography, was minted in Rome.

For more information on iconography on Roman coins, please see our blog: Imagery on Ancient Roman Coins