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Markianopolis AE27 Moushmov 805 of Gordian III

Gordian III & Serapis AE27 of Markianopolis. Magistrate Menophilus. ANTWNIOC GORDIANOC AVG, ANT K M, below, confronted draped busts of Gordian & Serapis / VP MHNOFILOU MARKIANOPOLITWN, fortified wall with many towers, temple and buildings within, a gate in front.

Lot No.3797. VF. 10.8 g.

$ 2200.

Sorry, this lot has been sold.

View of whole cities are shown on some coins, where the most important piece of architecture of the city, as a bastion of the Roman empire, was the wall that protected it against the invading Dacians or Goths. At Bizia and Marcianopolis, for example, the interesting details foreshadow later Byzantine art. The Greek engravers included the exquisite decorations of gates and towers,and placed within the walls stoas,temples,and other buildings. (Coins and their cites, P.24)

Gordian III was the grandson of Gordian I and nephew of Gordian II, and was in Rome when Balbinus and Pupienus were murdered in 238 AD. After serving briefly as Caesar, then, he was raised to Augustus and served until 244 AD when he was murdered at the instigation of Philip the Arab.