This little coin which I (re)discovered in my collection yesterday has got me really intrigued. The type is documented for antoninianii (RIC IV - 39,56,71), and sestertii (RIC IV 273a, 293a, 281a), but I have found no references for asse after searching Wildwinds and Acsearch. I am assuming this coin is an As per sellers flip and its weight and size: 11,55 g, 25 mm. Or is this an underweight, undersized sestertius? (would not think so) Any help is appreciated Thank you. Obv: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS PF AUG Rev: VIRTVS AUG Virtus standing r., holding branch and spear, shield at his feet.
If I'm not mistaken, you have the obverse legend wrong. It should read "PIVS FEL" not "PF". I think it's an As and probably the following: RIC 293b Sear'88 #2519 Gordian III AE As. AD 240. IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, laureate draped bust right / VIRTVS AVG S-C, Virtus standing left, holding branch and spear, shield at feet. RIC 293b; Cohen 391; Sear 8807. 25mm, 10.29g The coin on Wildwinds weighs in at 10.29g. There is a Sestertius with the same legend that weighs in at 13.97g. It's RIC 293a 28mm, 13.97g
I suspect Wildwinds has misattibuted that coin. I have four Gordian III sestertii and they are as big as those of Severus Alexander, Orbiana, Julia Mamaea, and Maximinus Thrax. My Gordian III sestertii weigh 19.19, 20.01, 22.96 and 24.30 g.
Gentlemen, thank you! Bing, thank you very much for the attribution. I have now been able to find several examples under RIC 293b, C 391. I can now attribute my coin after all these years.
