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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;johnmilton, post: 25456761, member: 101855&quot;]The denarius was the principle silver coin for the Roman Empire from 211 BC. It became a victim of inflation as the coin was debased over time, starting with the reign of Nero. </p><p><br /></p><p>Caracalla introduced the antoninianus which was valued at two denarii. Inflation continued, and during reign of Gordian III, the antoninianus became the dominate silver coin. The Gordian III antonininus is a very common coin. I had one when I was in high school, and finding them now is easy. </p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1629388[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p>Antoninianus of Gordian III, Obverse: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, “Emperor Gordian III dutiful, patriotic, happy augustus” Reverse: FELICITAS TEMPORVM “Happy time.” Felicitas personification of happiness and prosperity Sear 8608</p><p><br /></p><p>The Gordian III denarius is scarcer. I saw one pop up in an auction and decided to bid on it. It was not very expensive, and for once, I didn&#039;t run into another bidder who &quot;had to have it.&quot; </p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1629389[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p>Denarius of Gordian III, Obverse: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, “Emperor Gordian III dutiful, patriotic, happy augustus” Reverse: DIANA LUCIFERA “Diana, the bringer of light.” Diana Lucifera standing holding a flaming torch in both hands. Diana was the moon goddess who was sometimes show with a crescent moon over her head, arrows, hounds and a deer. She was sometimes shown with a flaming spear, as shown on this piece, as the bringer of light. Sear 8673,</p><p><br /></p><p>This piece was issued in celebration of the marriage of Gordian to Tranquillina. Rome 241-2 AD.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thumbing through the Sears books on Roman coins, it seems that this might be the last &quot;cheap denarius.&quot; The coin was issued in small quantities until about 296. </p><p><br /></p><p>How can you tell the difference between a denarius and an antoninianus? The emperor wears a crown on the antoninianus. He doesn&#039;t on the denarius.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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