Denarius of Cordianus III, 238 A.D., from the Ancient Coins series (N180) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co.

Art Historical Context

Step into the world of 19th-century ephemera with this vibrant *Denarius of Gordianus III 238 A.D.*, a commercial color lithograph from S. Kimball & Company'sAncient Coins* series (N180), produced in 1888. Measuring just 1 1/2 × 2 5/8 inches, this petite print captures the intricate details of a Roman silver denarius featuring the youthful emperor Gordianus III, who ruled briefly from 238 to 244 A.D. as one of Rome's shortest-reigning leaders. Kimball & Co., a prominent American tobacco firm, issued these cards as promotional inserts, blending classical antiquity with everyday commerce to educate and entice collectors. The artwork showcases the artistry of color lithography, a revolutionary printing technique that allowed for vivid, mass-produced reproductions of historical artifacts. By faithfully rendering the coin's portrait and inscriptions, it democratized access to ancient numismatics, sparking public fascination with Roman history during the Gilded Age. As part of The Jefferson R. Burdick Collection—gifted to The Metropolitan Museum of Art—this piece highlights ephemera's cultural role, transforming humble trade cards into treasured records of popular education and design innovation. A delightful window into how the past was packaged for the present!

About the Artist

William S. Kimball & Company · 1850–1950

**William S. Kimball & Company**, a pioneering American tobacco manufacturer, was established in 1846 in Rochester, New York, by William S. Kimball and James C. Hart. The firm quickly grew into one of the city's largest employers, particularly of women, producing popular brands like Peerless chewing tobacco, Rigatta and Fireside smoking tobacco, and Vanity Fair cigarettes. Under Kimball's leadersh...