Ancient Roman ceremonial medallion minted in Rome on occasion of Roman victory against Sasanian Persian Empire by Emperor Gordian III
On the obverse side is depicted bust of the emperor with laurel wreath on the head, and Latin inscription “IMP(erator) GORDIANVS PIVS FELIX AVG”. Reverse side depicts a temple dedicated to Nike, goddess of victory whose winged statue is in the center between the pillars, with Greek inscription on the façade “NEIKE OPLOFOROS“.
Around the temple are figures of humans taking part in the ritual of sacrifice – people on the left are slaying the bull with an axe, while on the right side is depicted emperor Gordian with veil on the head, accompanied with two soldiers, pouring liquid over the altar. Above the scene there is Latin inscription “VICTORIA AVG(usti)“. This is one of the rare well preserved bimetal medallions minted of copper and orichalcum, golden-colored bronze alloy.
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