Uncleaned Coins Update: Gordian III Provincial, Viminacium

So, my first foray into the world of uncleaned Roman coins is not going quite as I hoped. I bought a total of thirteen coins: six are fully attributable, six are partially attributable, and one is at least attributable to emperor. Unfortunately, though, about six have some serious crud on them, including, I think, the dreaded "bronze disease."

I was, however, pleasantly surprised to find the below coin beneath the dirt. I think it's an AE24 from Viminacium. The obverse features a laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Gordian III facing right with the legend IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG. The interesting reverse shows the personification of Moesia standing left between a bull and a lion (the symbols of two legions stationed in Moesia) with the legend PMS COL VIM. In the exergue appears AN I. The type apparently was struck with both a laureate and radiate portrait.

One thing that's particularly interesting is that my specimen is 24mm in diameter -if that. I haven't, though, seen any other laureate portrait types this small. The ones I've seen are 29mm and larger. In any event, if any readers have any additional information about this coin (before I ask the guys at the Forvm discussion board), please let me know in the comments. I'll re-post on this coin (and my other uncleaneds) once I get a chance to apply the Ren Wax (whenever that is!)






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