EGYPT, Alexandria. Gordian I. AD 238. Potin Tetradrachm (21mm, 13.66 g, 12h). Dated RY 1 (AD 238). Near EF.

Triton XXIX
Lot: 527. Estimated: $ 1 000

Roman Provincial, Coin-in-Hand Video, Potin

Sold For $ 2 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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EGYPT, Alexandria. Gordian I. AD 238. Potin Tetradrachm (21mm, 13.66 g, 12h). Dated RY 1 (AD 238). A K M AN ΓOPΔIANOC CЄM AΦP ЄYCЄ, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from the front / Nike seated left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left; L A (date) to left. Köln 2602 var. (obv. legend); Dattari (Savio) 10154; K&G 68.9; RPC VII.2 3636.16 (this coin); Emmett 3346.1 (R3). Gray-brown surfaces, edge split, die breaks on reverse. Near EF.

From Dr. R. Craig Kammerer Collection. Ex Hermanubis Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 355, 15 July 2015), lot 431.

Gordian I and his son Gordian II share the dubious distinction of having the shortest reigns of any "legitimate" Roman emperors, together ruling a mere 22 days. Despite their brief production run, coins of Gordian I and II are notable for their excellent portraiture. The elder Gordian appears as a distinguished older gentleman with thin, hawkish features, while Gordian II is shown as a younger, plumper and prematurely balding man with a slight beard. This may indicate that official effigies of both were already at the Rome mint when their rebellion against Maximinus I broke out in Carthage, suggesting the whole episode was not as spontaneous as contemporary historians claimed.

The final winners of all Triton XXIX lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 13-14 January 2026.

Triton XXIX – Session Two – Lot 302-613 will be held Tuesday afternoon, 13 January 2026 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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