#1172240 Coin, Gordian II, Sestertius, 238, Rome, Very rare, VF+, Bronze, RIC

  
Bust of Gordian II, laureate, draped, armored, facing right, Virtus, helmeted, standing to the left, placing his right hand on the shield placed on the ground and holding a spear in his left hand, Very rare sestertius of Gordian II. Its rarity is explained by the fact that the emperor only reigned for a few weeks and did not have time to organize large-scale strikes.

Indeed, after the death of Maximinus Thrax in early spring 238, Gordian II, up to then proconsul of the province of Africa, was proclaimed emperor by the Senate on March 22, 238. However, he encountered resistance among the Roman elites, notably the proconsul of Numidia "Capelianus", legate of the neighboring province of Africa, who remained loyal to Maximinus. The proconsul of Numidia raised a legion and marched on the province of Africa to confront the new emperor. Gordian II succumbed in this battle which took place near Carthage, putting an end to his short reign. He was then succeeded by his nephew, Gordian III.

IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG, VIRTVS AVGG S C.