Provincial bronze issue of Gordian III (AD 238–244), struck at Hadrianopolis in Thrace, belongs to the civic coinage of the Thracian region, where themes of prosperity and divine protection of the city were particularly emphasized.
The obverse shows a laureate bust of the emperor facing right, with the Greek legend AVT K M ANT ΓOPΔIANOC AVΓ, identifying Gordian as autokrator and augustus. The use of Greek reflects standard practice in provincial minting, where it served as the primary administrative and cultural language.
The reverse depicts Tyche standing left, holding a rudder (gubernaculum) and a cornucopia, with the legend AΔΡIANOΠOΛEITΩN, referring to the citizens of Hadrianopolis as the issuing authority. Tyche, as the personification of fortune and protector of the city, was among the most common deities in civic coinage, her attributes symbolizing control over destiny and material prosperity.
Roman Provincial
Thrace, Hadrianopolis, Gordian III (238-244), AE
Obverse: laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of emperor right
AVT K M ANT ΓOPΔIANOC AVΓ
Reverse: Tyche standing left, holding rudder and cornucopia
AΔΡIANOΠOΛEITΩN
Diameter 25 mm, weight 8.45 g
