Bronze ceremonial medallion of Roman emperor Gordian III

The medallion of the Roman emperor Gordian III (238-244), of ceremonial character and historical content, belongs to the world cultural heritage because of its characteristics. Finds of bimetallic medallions are very rare and only several specimens with the same typology are known – with the one in Belgrade being in the best state of preservation. The reason for issuing the medallion was the campaign against the Sassanids in 242-243, when Gordian scored a great victory against Shapur’s army. The composition on the reverse, sacrificial scene before the temple dedicated to the goddess of Victory, is exceptionally rich in detail, faithful and vivid. The circumstances that imposed the characteristics of maturity on the boy, who had already been given the title of Augustus by the age of 13, and had become the sole ruler of the empire can be recognised in his portrait on the obverse. The medallion was excellently minted in relief, is powerfully realistic and, without a doubt, is one of the finest examples of Roman medallic art from the middle of the 3rd century.