AE Sestertius, A.D. 238, Rome, 29mm, 16.32g, ~160°, RIC IV 11; BMCRE 12-13; Rare. Ex. Conti collection.
Obv: IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG. laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right.
Rev: SECVRITAS AVGG. Securitas seated left, holding scepter in right hand. S C in ex.
------------------------------------------------------------
Marcus Antonius Gordianus Sempronianus Romanus Africanus Augustus was Roman Emperor for one month with his son Gordian II in 238. Little is known of the early life and family background of Gordian. His family was of Equestrian rank and he climbed the hierarchy until he entered the Roman Senate. In the military, Gordian commanded the Legio IIII Scythica when the legion was stationed in Syria. He also served as governor of Britain in 216.

Gordian was already in his late sixties when Maximinus Thrax killed Severus Alexander and assumed the throne. Maximinus was not a popular emperor and universal discontent roused by his oppressive rule culminated in a revolt in Africa in 238, after which they turned to Gordian to accept the dangerous honor of the imperial throne. Gordian protested that he was too old for the position but eventually yielded and assumed both the purple and the cognomen Africanus on March 22. Due to his advanced age, he insisted that his son, Gordian II, should be co-emperor. Gordian entered the city of Carthage with the overwhelming support of the population and local leaders. He sent an embassy to Rome, under the leadership of Publius Licinius Valerianus, to obtain the Senate’s support for his rebellion. The senate confirmed the new emperor on 2 April.

Although most of the provinces gladly sided with Gordian, opposition would come from the Numidia. Capelianus, governor of Numidia and loyal supporter of Maximinus Thrax, renewed his alliance to the former emperor and invaded Africa province with the only legion stationed in the region, III Augusta, and other veteran units. Gordian II, at the head of a militia army of untrained soldiers, lost the Battle of Carthage and was killed. Upon hearing the news, Gordian took his own life by hanging himself with his belt after a reign of only thirty-six days. Having embraced the cause of Gordian, the senate continued the revolt against Maximinus, and appointed Pupienus and Balbinus, as joint emperors. Gordian and his son were both deified by the Senate and by the end of 238, the recognized emperor would be his grandson, Gordian III.