GORDIAN I AFRICANUS, A.D. 238. AE Sestertius (21.16 gms), Rome Mint. NGC Ch VF, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 2/5. Smoothing.RIC-14. Obverse: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right; Reverse: Virtus standing left, holding spear and resting hand upon shield. A well struck example of this very rare type, exhibiting some smoothing to its otherwise pleasing surfaces.The eldest of the three Gordiani, Gordian I served for just 21 days as emperor along with his son, Gordian II, during the tumultuous year of 238--the year of six emperors. Forces loyal to the Gordiani in Africa threw their support to the elder Gordian, anointing him as emperor in opposition to emperor Maximinus Thrax. This rule was extremely short lived, however, as forces loyal to Maximinus countered his move and defeated him, with Gordian I committing suicide following the murder of Gordian II. Gordian III, grandson of Gordian I and nephew of Gordian II, would eventually be proclaimed as the final emperor of the year following the unsuccessful reigns, also in revolt against Maximinus, of Pupienus and Balbinus, senators appointed to the purple as a result of the deaths of the elder Gordiani.
