MOESIA INFERIOR. Odessus. Gordian III (238-244). Ae Pentassarion.

Obv: AVT M ANT ΓOPΔIANOC AVΓ.
Draped busts of Gordian, laureate and cuirassed, and Serapis, wearing calathus and with cornucopia over shoulder, facing one another.
Rev: OΔHCCEITΩN.
Prize crown, containing two palm fronds and inscribed ΔAPZΔΛEIA; E (mark of value) below.

RPC VII.2 1500; AMNG 2371.

Theos Magas is a deity honored in some Greek cities of Pontus and especially in Odessos, appearing on many of its coins. The numismatic record presents the earliest iconographic evidence of this god (from the 2nd century BC), usually represented standing, bearded, wrapped in himation, while holding a patera and cornucopia. The rarer epithet 'Derzelas' or 'Darzelas' appears later, beginning with the coins of Gordian III, in connection with the 'Darzaleia' festivals celebrated in honor of the deity and commemorated on the reverse of this piece.

Condition: Near extremely fine.

Weight: 12.83 g.
Diameter: 28 mm.