Help with attribution? Trajan denarius & Gordian III sestertius

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by lordmarcovan, Jan 17, 2026 at 12:10 PM.

  1. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic numismatist Moderator

    Thanks in advance. I got this Trajan denarius for my giveaway stock but I’m pretty weak at specific attribution on ancients (always seem to get the varieties wrong when I try to do it myself). I see a consular title on the reverse, so this could be dated to within a year or two, yes?

    18.1 mm
    2.51 g

    IMG_7103.png IMG_7104.png
     
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2026 at 12:27 PM
    lordmarcovan, Jan 17, 2026 at 12:10 PM
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  3. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic numismatist Moderator

    Oh- while we’re at it, if you wouldn’t mind, I could also use some attribution help on this Gordian III sestertius, which will also be a part of my future giveaway stash.

    30.3 mm
    15.3 g

    IMG_7105.png IMG_7107.png
     
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2026 at 12:27 PM
    lordmarcovan, Jan 17, 2026 at 12:14 PM
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  4. -monolith-

    -monolith- Well-Known Member

    -monolith-, Jan 17, 2026 at 12:48 PM
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  5. -monolith-

    -monolith- Well-Known Member

    Last edited: Jan 17, 2026 at 12:58 PM
    -monolith-, Jan 17, 2026 at 12:53 PM
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  6. GinoLR

    GinoLR Well-Known Member

    The reverse legend of the Trajanic denarius is PARTHICO P M TR P COS VI P P SPQR. Trajan was Cos. VI in 112 but he received from the senate the title of Parthicus in 115. Your coin can therefore be dated 115-117.
    For the sestertius of Gordianus III there is nothing in the legend that may help narrowing a date. The portrait is not like G3's earliest portraits, so it's later. G3 has no beard too, so this coin is not to be dated very late in the reign. The RIC (Gordian III 319) says 241-244. You may narrow it to 241-243.
     
    GinoLR, Jan 17, 2026 at 12:55 PM
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  7. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic numismatist Moderator

    Thank you both very kindly! I shall include that information with the coins when I give them away. :)
     
    lordmarcovan, Jan 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM
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