The Year of the Six Emperors

For ancient coin collectors, the year 238 stands out as one of the most dramatic in Roman history—a time when six emperors rose and fell in rapid succession. Known as the 'Year of the Six Emperors', this period offers a fascinating glimpse into a turbulent empire and the coins that captured it. While most numismatists are familiar with Gordian III, whose coins are a staple in collections, fewer know about Gordian I and Gordian II. Who were these earlier Gordians, and why are their coins so elusive?

The year 238 began with Rome in unrest. The empire was under the rule of Maximinus Thrax, a soldier-emperor whose heavy taxes and military focus had stirred discontent. His coins, bearing his portrait and titles like “IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG,” are prized by collectors for their bold designs. But dissatisfaction with his rule set the stage for a cascade of new emperors, each leaving their mark—or lack thereof—on Roman coinage.

First came Gordian I and Gordian II, our lesser-known duo. In North Africa, a group of landowners, frustrated with Maximinus, proclaimed Gordian I as emperor. An elderly senator, likely in his late 70s or early 80s, he accepted the role and named his son, Gordian II, as co-emperor. Their reign, centered in Carthage, lasted just 21 days, ending when forces loyal to Maximinus defeated them. Gordian II was killed and his father, Gordian I, committed suicide.  Because their time in power was so brief, their coins are exceptionally rare. Gordian I’s silver denarii and bronze sestertii, often inscribed with “GORDIANVS AFR AVG” to reflect their African origins, are very scarce finds. Gordian II’s coins, primarily denarii, are even harder to come by, with only a handful known to exist. 

Contrast this with Gordian III, a name familiar to most collectors. After the fall of Gordian I and II, and the brief reigns of two other emperors (more on them in a moment), young Gordian III—believed to be the grandson of Gordian I—was named emperor at age 13. His six-year rule, from 238 to 244, produced a wealth of coins, including silver antoniniani, denarii, and sestertii. These feature his youthful portrait and reverses celebrating deities like Jupiter, Diana, or Victory. Because his reign was long and stable compared to the chaos of year 238, his coins are far more common, making him a household name among collectors. Six years allowed Gordian III’s mints to produce coins that have survived in numbers, while three weeks gave Gordian I and II barely a chance to leave a mark

But what about the other emperors of 238? After the defeat of Gordian I and II, the Roman Senate, seeking to stabilise the empire, appointed Pupienus and Balbinus as co-emperors. Their rule lasted about three months, a step up from the Gordians’ three weeks but still brief. Their coins, often depicting their portraits or symbols of unity like clasped hands, are valued for their historical significance. However, like those of Gordian I and II, they’re not easy to find due to the short duration of their reign.  Their time ended when the Praetorian Guard turned against them, paving the way for Gordian III’s rise

For those of us who love ancient coins, the 'Year of the Six Emperors' is a reminder of why we collect: to hold history in our hands. Next time you admire a Gordian III coin, consider the elusive Gordian I and II. Their coins may be hard to find, but they’re a testament to a moment when Rome’s fate hung in the balance.