Coin Roman Empire Gordian III - Antoninianus, Emperor Sacrificing - 240 Rome

Obverse: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG

Reverse: P M TR P II COS P P

The reverse depicts the veiled emperor standing, turned to the left, dressed in the paludamentum, the military cloak characteristic of Roman generals and emperors. In his right hand, he holds a patera over a lit tripod, performing an act of sacrificial libation, while in his left hand he holds a sceptre. The veiled head emphasises the emperor's role as pontifex maximus, guarantor of the bond between Rome and its gods.

Gordian III came to power at the age of thirteen in 238, a particularly turbulent year that saw no fewer than six emperors succeed one another. His reign marked a period of relative internal stability, although the Empire was under considerable external pressure, particularly from the Sasanian Empire, consolidated under Shapur I. This issue of 239, at the beginning of his reign, reflects a desire to legitimise the young ruler. The sacrificial depiction on the reverse affirms imperial piety and the continuity of the official cult ? fundamental values of Roman monetary propaganda ? intended to guarantee the pax deorum, that is, peace with the gods, an indispensable condition for the prosperity of the Empire.