This finely detailed ancient coin has been
mounted in an stunning modern 18 karat gold
pendant set with 30 radiant, fully cut diamonds
weighing a total of 1.32 carats and a lovely
cabochon garnet.
M. Antoninus Gordianus, grandson of the ill-
fated Emperor Gordian I and nephew of Gordian
II, was born about AD 225. After his grandfather
and uncle perished in their revolt against the
Emperor Maximinus in AD 238, Gordian III was
given the title of Caesar by Balbinus and
Pupienus, the two Co-Emperors set up by the
Roman Senate in opposition to Maximinus. When
these two were also murdered, Gordian III was
proclaimed Augustus by the Praetorian Guard.
Although very young at the time of his
ascension, Gordian was a modest and restrained
ruler of independent mind who showed great
promise for the future. In AD 244 he went to
personally direct the campaign in the Persian
East, where he met with great initial success.
However, due to the treachery of the Praetorian
Prefect, Julius Philipus, the loyalty of the army
was undermined and Gordian was deposed and
murdered in Mesopotamia, to be succeeded by
the ambitious Philip.
- (FJ.5066)
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