Ancient Roman Æ Sestertius of Emperor Gordian III / Laetitia

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.