RIC states this silver Tet of Gordian III as scarce. The obverse shows the Emperor head left, with reverse of an eagle over a ram running left while reverting its head back. BMC 501. The coin weighs 11.6 g. BTW.. the ram is also noticed on reverse of an anonymous Roman coin struck under Emperor Tiberius (scan attached) and presumed to represent the famous Star of Bethlehem. Is the ram a symbol of control mark, or an ancient sacrifice to the gods? Thanks for your comments..
Not sure, I think they are just marks. Mine has one too, but is right facing. Left facings are a tad scarce but can be found. Shame your obverse is very off center. Never seen a Antioch Tet that badly off center on the obverse. Gordian III (238 - 244 A.D.) AR Tetradrachm Syria, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch O: AVTOK K M ANT GORDIANOC CEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right R: DHMAPX EX UPATO B, eagle standing facing, head left with wreath in beak, below, crescent & ram running left. Antioch Mint, Struck 242 A.D. 27mm 13.5g Prieur 301
Most Syrian tetradrachms of Gordian III have the ram, so it's probably a design element rather than a control. I have seen them with just SC, however. By the time of Gordian III, the ram may have had Christian connotations, but the so-called "Star of Bethlehem" coins are a matter of debate. At least one respected numismatist agrees with Molnar's conjectures. Read all about it here. Personally I'm not convinced. This smells like a selling gimmick to me, but I need to do some more study myself.
