Coin Roman Empire Gordian III - Antoninianus, Hercules - 240 / 243 Rome

Obverse: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG

Reverse: VIRTVTI A-VGVSTI

The reign of Gordian III, which began when he was still very young, falls within a transitional period marked by growing political and military instability, characteristic of the Crisis of the Third Century. The Roman Empire was then faced with significant pressures, particularly in the East against the Sassanids and on the Danubian frontiers against various Germanic groups.

The presence of Hercules on the coinage belongs to a traditional iconographic register, celebrating strength, resilience and victory in the face of adversity. The hero's attributes, such as the club and the lion's skin, refer to a symbolism of power and protection, widely used in imperial propaganda.