M ANT ΓOΡΔIANOC AYΓ, laureate draped bust right / MAΡKIANOΠOΛITΩ, Tyche standing left with rudder and cornucopiae. 23mm, 7.90 grams. Moushmov 779.

Gordian III (225–244 CE) was a Roman emperor who came to power as a teenager during a time of great political instability. He was proclaimed emperor in 238 CE, following the chaotic "Year of the Six Emperors," and became popular with both the Senate and the Roman people due to his youth and lineage - being the grandson of Gordian I. His reign was largely dominated by advisers and military commanders, but it saw relative stability compared to his predecessors. Gordian III launched a major campaign against the Sassanid Persians, initially achieving some success. However, during the campaign in 244 CE, he died under unclear circumstances - possibly in battle or through assassination by his own troops - and was succeeded by Philip the Arab. Despite his young age, Gordian III's reign is often viewed as one of the more orderly periods during the turbulent 3rd century.