Owner Comments:
While the imperial coinage of Tranquillina (c. 215 – after 244 AD) is less abundant compared to that of her husband, Emperor Gordian III, her relatively more common provincial issues, such as this compelling example struck in Thrace, offer valuable insights into her image and role. The coin's obverse presents an intimate portrayal of the imperial couple, both aged sixteen years, their confronting busts creating a charming scene. Their directed gazes convey
concordia (harmony) and, by extension, project the crucial Roman virtue of
pietas – encompassing their loyalty to family, the state, and the divine. Tranquillina's portraiture made a splash even beyond contemporary Rome. Notably, her distinct coiffure of wavy hair intricately gathered into a braid and elegantly pulled upwards to frame her forehead, proved to be a significant trendsetter and inspired the hairstyles of subsequent Empresses and other noblewomen throughout the Empire and neighboring kingdoms.
For the design of this coin, the obverse depiction of the imperial couple is paired on the reverse with the enduringly popular deity Apollo, whose worship spanned over a millennium back to Mycenaean Greece. Apollo was a multifaceted god, embodying domains as diverse as truth and prophecy, the art of poetry, the power of healing, the brilliance of the sun, and, particularly relevant here, the beauty of music. Consistent with his iconography, the verso depicts Apollo with his renowned lyre, a gift bestowed upon him by Hermes. The god is shown holding a
plectrum (a pick), poised as if ready to play a song.
Overall, this coin’s design conveys a sense of harmony and promise for the future. However, that future turned out to be tragic. The key turning point, after only two years of childless marriage, occurred after Tranquillina's father, Timesitheus, died under mysterious circumstances in 243 AD. Since Timesitheus was appointed Gordian III’s Praetorian Prefect in 241 AD, he had been effectively running the Empire for the adolescent Emperor. Gordan III desperately needed the backfill the post, and he chose Marcus Julius Philippus. The latter wasted no time in plotting against his new boss. In 244 AD, it was Gordian III’s turn to die of mysterious circumstances. As for the widowed, teen-aged Tranquillina, any life that she may have had ahead of her remains unknown.
Coin Details: ROMAN PROVINCIAL, Tranquillina and Gordian III, 238-244 AD, Thrace, Mesembria, Æ (26mm, 13.12 g, 1h), NGC Grade: XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Obverse: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Gordian and draped bust of Tranquillina, wearing stephane, facing one another, AVT K M ANT GORDIANOC AVG CEB TPANKVLLINA, Reverse: Apollo standing left, holding plectrum and resting hand upon lyre set upon column to right, MECAMBP-IANΩN, References: Karayotov II – (O20/R15 [unlisted die combination]); Varbanov 4175-6 var. (obv. legend).
Image: Sony ɑ 7R Ⅴ camera / Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens.