243-244 AD. Rome mint. Obv: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG legend with radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev: FELICIT TEMP legend with Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopia. RIC 140, 141; RSC 71; Sear 8607.3.89 grams. ("). From the private collection of a retired Suffolk gentleman. Gordian III inherited vast riches when he was just thirteen years old, which partly accounted for his adoption by joint emperors Balbinus and Pupienus soon after their accession. The boy was hugely popular with both the people and the army, which Philip 'The Arab' (Philip I) later undermined. The army declared that it could not be led by a mere boy during a time of crisis, and Gordian was deposed and executed, although the Senate was told that the young emperor had died of natural causes. The army had revived its prerogative to make and un-make emperors, and senatorial authority was ended. [No Reserve]