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Fourree of an AR Antoninianus (22mm 4.09g) Struck AD 240
Obv: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG Radiate draped bust right
Rev:LIBERALITAS AVG III Liberalitas standing left, holding an abacus and cornucopia
RIC 67
ex. Bill Roth
1. The Front (Obverse): The Emperor’s Portrait
The front features the profile of a young Emperor Gordian III facing right. He is wearing a spiky radiate crown (which looks a bit like sunbeams).
- The Secret Code (Inscription): Around the edge, it reads IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG.
- What it translates to: "Imperator Gordian, Pious, Lucky, Augustus." This was standard Roman political hype to remind everyone that the emperor was blessed by the gods and in charge.
2. The Back (Reverse): Pure Propaganda
The back shows a goddess figure standing up and looking to her left. This is Liberalitas, the Roman personification of the emperor’s generosity and giving spirit. She is holding two things:
- An abacus: A counting board used to tally up money or grain distribution.
- A cornucopia: A horn of plenty overflowing with goodies.
- The Secret Code (Inscription): It reads LIBERALITAS AVG III. This means "The Third Generosity of the Emperor." It literally commemorates the third time Gordian III handed out cash or food bonuses to the citizens or soldiers to keep them happy!
3. The "Fourrée" Plot Twist
this coin is a Fourrée of an AR Antoninianus (RIC 67).
- What that means: Back in ancient times, an Antoninianus was supposed to be a silver coin. However, a "fourrée" is a ancient fake. A deceptive counterfeiter (or sometimes a sneaky official mint trying to save money) took a cheap copper or bronze core and wrapped it in a very thin layer of precious silver foil, then stamped it with the official designs.
- Over the centuries, the thin silver layer often wears away or tears, revealing the darker, corroded base metal underneath.
So, what you have here is a snapshot of Roman propaganda (reminding everyone how generous the emperor was) combined with a piece of centuries-old criminal craftiness!
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