Legend: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG → “Emperor Gordian, the Pious, the Blessed, Augustus” Description: Bust of Gordian III facing right, wearing a radiate crown, draped and cuirassed. The radiate crown identifies the coin as an antoninianus, a denomination valued at twice the denarius. Legend: FORTVNA REDVX → “Returning Fortuna” or “Fortuna who ensures a safe return” Description: Fortuna, the goddess of fate and luck, is seated left on a throne. In her right hand she holds a rudder, symbolising control over destiny and safe return. In her left hand she carries a cornucopia, symbolising prosperity and abundance. Beneath the throne appears a wheel, another attribute of Fortuna, representing the ever-changing nature of fortune. The FORTVNA REDVX type was frequently struck when the emperor or his troops returned safely from a journey or military campaign. Under Gordian III, this type likely relates to preparations for the Persian War against the Sassanian Empire around AD 242. Fortuna here represents divine protection for the emperor and the empire. Gordian III (AD 225–244) ascended the throne at just 13 years old, becoming the youngest sole ruler in Roman history. Grandson of Gordian I, he ruled after the “Year of the Six Emperors” in AD 238. His reign was marked by internal stabilisation and military campaigns against the Persians. He died young, aged 19, under disputed circumstances — either in battle or through a plot by his praetorian prefect Philip the Arab.