VIRTVS AVGG


Reference : AYC #5, RIC 3
Weight: 3.38 grs
Metal: Silver
Diameter: 19.00 mm
Scarcity: Very rare
Type:

Obverse

Reverse

IMP M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG

Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian II Africanus to the right, seen from three quarters back.

VIRTVS AVGG

Virtus standing left, holding a spear with his left hand and a shield at his feet with his right hand.

Photo of a coin sold the 27/10/2019 by Leu Numismatik, Auction 5, lot 444, link to the sale: https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=6505389, link to their website: https://leunumismatik.com/.

The RIC 4B page 163, note n° 3 speaks of a coin with the obverse legend IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG and reverse VIRTVS AVG showing Virtus holding a globe and a spear preserved at the Hunterian museum in Glasgow. Judged of a curious style and production and i quote ''judgement upon it is, best suspend''.

On this type, the tip of the spear is often missing, the RIC 4B noted that the spear was sometimes reversed.

Gordian I and II share the same obverse legend, the bust of Gordian II is distinguished by absence of hairs in front of his laurel wreath.