Misopotamia, Singara, Gordian III with Tranquillina, AE, 238-244 AD

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Description

Roman Provincial, Misopotamia, Singara Mint, Gordian III with Tranquillina,Ā  AE (bronze, 18.36g, 31.8mm), 238-244 AD
Obv: AYTOK K M ANT Ī“OĪ”Ī”IANON CAB TPANKYĪ›Ī›INA CŠ„B; Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III, on the left, facing diademed and draped bust of Tranquillina, on the right
Rev: AYP CŠ„Ī  KOĪ› CINĪ“APA; the Tyche of Singara, turreted and veiled, seated left on rock, holding grain ears in her right hand; above, centaur (Sagittarius) leaping left, shooting bow; below, river-god Mygdonius swimming left
Ref:Ā  BMC 8-11; SNG Copenhagen 256 Rarity/Choice: Common, aVF (area of porosity otherwise, nicely struck and centered on broad flan, dark brown patina)
Note: Gordian III, who reigned from AD 238 to 244, became emperor at a very young age. His marriage to Furia Sabinia Tranquillina in AD 241 was politically significant, aiming to stabilize his rule. The city of Singara in Mesopotamia, a key strategic location in the Roman-Persian frontier, issued coins reflecting local iconography and imperial connections. This coin serves to reinforce the image of Gordian III and Tranquillina as legitimate and united rulers. The local iconography, including Tyche and the river-god Mygdonius, emphasizes the prosperity and unique identity of Singara. The inclusion of Sagittarius adds a layer of cultural or astrological relevance, reflecting the beliefs and traditions of the region. The coin offers a rich blend of imperial and local iconography. It highlights the political alliance through marriage, the significance of Singara as a Roman colony, and the cityā€™s unique cultural elements. This coin not only circulated as currency but also conveyed messages of unity, prosperity, and regional identity within the broader Roman Empire.