★ The gestus imperatorius ★

SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch. Gordian III, 238-244. Tetradrachm (Billon, 28 mm, 12.30 g, 12 h), Issue I, 238-240. AYTOK K M ANT ΓOPΔIANOC CЄB Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to left, and with right shoulder raised. Rev. ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ЄΞΟYCΙΑC / S C Eagle with spread wings standing facing, head to left. McAlee 867c. Prieur 286. RPC VII.2, 3491. Very rare with this bust type. Lustrous and sharply struck. Light die rust on the obverse, otherwise, good extremely fine.

From a European collection, formed before 2005.

This rare portrait type shows the emperor raising his right shoulder, probably executing the so-called gestus imperatorius to his soldiers.