ROMAN EMPIRE: Gordian I Africanus, March-April 238 AD, AE sestertius (18.95g), Rome, RIC-11, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AFR AVG // Securitas seated left, holding short scepter in right hand, SECVRITAS AVGG, S C in exergue, light porosity, VF, R. While serving as the governor of Africa, Gordian, who had prudently distanced himself from palace intrigue during the Severan Dynasty, suddenly found himself at the head of a revolt against the unpopular Maximinus, when angry rioters assassinated the local fiscal curator and proclaimed him the emperor. Gordian, aged about 80 at the time, reluctantly accepted the dangerous honor on the condition that his son be made co-emperor. This was met with overwhelming support in the province and quickly confirmed by the Senate, which began producing coins in their names in Rome. However, they soon faced an invasion from the neighboring province of Numidia, whose governor was a loyal supporter of Maximinus. The two sides met outside of Carthage, where the younger Gordian was killed in the ensuing battle. Upon hearing the news, Gordian hanged himself with his belt. Together, they ruled for a mere 22 days, the shortest reign of any Roman emperor.
Estimate: $800-1200