Coins of Gordian dated to the seventh year (TR P VII) exist even though he died several months before starting his seventh year. The death of Gordian is generally thought to have been in early 244, perhaps in February, and his seventh year would have started on July 29, 244. The likely explanation for these coins is that the mint had just started to make them so they could be ready for circulation at the proper time. However, when the news of Gordian's death reached Rome, the few coins that had already been minted were just put into circulation rather than being restruck for the new emperor. This would also account for their rarity today.
R). Cohen 280. The only antoninianus dated to Gordian's short final tribunician year. Rare, only five specimens in Dorchester hoard. (b) Silver quinarius, 1.36 gm, Rome, 240-243 AD, obverse as last coin but bust laureate not radiate, reverse VIRTVTI AVGVSTI, Hercules standing right, leaning on club set on rock, right hand behind back, the pose of the Hercules Farnese. RIC 120 (R3). Cohen 405 (Paris, 15 Fr.). King, Quinarii, 2 (7 specimens). TWO COINS IN LOT. Fine. Both ex Triton V, 2002, George His Collection, part of lot 2061; the second coin also ex CNG 45, 18 March 1998, lot 2242. Estimate: US$300
Very interesting! I thought that the Tribunician Powers were granted on taking office and renewed on a set date in early December? That would mean I - July 283 - December 238 II - December 238 - December 239 III - December 239 - December 240 IV - December 240 - December 241 V - December 241 - December 242 VI - December 242 - December 243 VII - December 243 - February 244
thanks all, Marcus Antonius Gordianus Pius Augustus; 20 January 225 AD – 11 February 244 AD) was Roman Emperor from 238 AD to 244 AD