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VIRTVS AVGG

Reference : AYC #11 (1), RIC 8
Weight: 17.94 grs
Metal: Bronze
Diameter: ?
Scarcity: Very rare
Type:

Obverse

Reverse

IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG

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

VIRTVS – AVGG / S – C

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 20/10/2014 by Numismatica Ars Classica, Auction 80, lot 165, link to the sale: https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=2176862, link to their website: https://www.arsclassicacoins.com/.

Two other coins in the British museum. Link to the first coin: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/C_R-16564, Museum number R.16564. Link to the sale: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/C_1867-0101-2132, Museum number 1867,0101.2132, ex collection: Louis, Duc de Blacas d'Aulps.

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.