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Code: 11661
This is an ancient Roman Æ orichalcum Sestertius, of Emperor Gordian III, minted in Rome between 240 - 243 AD
Obverse: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, "Emperor Gordianus, Pious and Happy August" laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Reverse: LAETITIA AVG N S-C, "Joy of Our August" Laetitia standing left, with wreath and anchor
The reverse depicts Laetitia, the Roman goddess of gaiety. Her name was used to mean happiness with prosperity and abundance, a nice deity for a coin!
CULTURE: ROMAN
DENOMINATION: Sestertius
MATERIAL: Æ orichalcum
DATE: 238 - 244 AD (minted in Rome between 240 - 243 AD)
SIZE: 30mm diameter
WEIGHT: 20.49 grams
ATTRIBUTION: RIC 300a, Cohen 122. Banti 38.
PROVENANCE: Formerly in a private collection. London.