★ An interesting tetrakaihemiassarion ★

MOESIA INFERIOR. Tomis. Gordian III, with Tranquillina, 238-244. Tetrakaihemiassarion (Bronze, 27 mm, 13.13 g, 7 h). AYT K M ANTΩΝΙΟC ΓOPΔIANOC ΑΥΓ CЄ / TPANKYΛ/ΛЄINA Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III, on the left, facing diademed and draped bust of Tranquillina, on the right. Rev. MHTPO ΠONTO[Y TOM]EΩC Table surmounted by agonistic prize crown containing two palm fronds and two purses; below table, amphora; in exergue, Δ< (mark of value). AMNG 3556. RPC VII.2 online 1713. Varbanov 5712. Minor smoothing and the reverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, very fine.

From the Rev. Dr. Stephen Knapp Collection of Roman Empresses, privately acquired from Atlantis Ltd. on 15 May 2003.

The letters Δ< on the reverse of this unusual issue indicate that it is a Tetrakaihemiassarion, a four-and-a-half-Assarion coin.