Featured Maximinus Thrax

I have a question.

From what I’ve read by the 3rd century the denarius was heavily debased.

How come most of you guys have denarii from this period that look like very high purity silver?

 

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Here is my only Max Thrax denarius:



And, for the second time in a few minutes, my only Max Thrax sestertius:

 

Why does your denarius look like high purity silver too?

Wasn’t the denarius super debased by the 3rd century?

I could’ve sworn I read that by the 3rd century the denarius was only about 48.5% pure whereas yours looks like 85%+ purity.

 

The obverse legend on your sestertius seems to be MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG GERM, which is the legend for RIC 85 (http://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.4.max_i.85); also the portrait style seems to be of late style, maybe 236 - 237 AD?

 

You're right about the decline in fineness. Here's a chart:


So why do the coins from emperors low on this list look so nice and pure? My understanding (which I'm getting from Warren Esty) is that it's a metallurgical thing. Coins with low fineness will typically have enriched (80%+) surface silver content because of striking. Silver is more malleable and so it moves more easily to the surface when the coin is struck; the copper tends to stay in the core of the coin. Cutting one open will demonstrate this. I don't advise it though!

 

Ohhh that makes sense.

But on the chart it says the Antoninus Pius denarius is 3.21 grams.

Mine is 3.55 is that just due to not being able to produce them very accurately?

 

Two words: Depletion Silvering.

 

You had asked almost the same question literally a week ago. You may like to read Roman Collector's post again. He has already explained it.

 

This is a fantastic resource. Thanks a lot Warren.

 

I have a really bad memory ever since I got my head injury.

Sometimes I ask the same thing more than once but I hate it just as much as others do because it's extremely frustrating.

 

My Sestertius


Maximinus I Thrax AD 235-238. Rome
Sestertius Æ
30 mm., 19,25 g.
RIC IV Maximinus Thrax 64
Date Range: AD 235 - AD 236
Obverse Legend: IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG
Type: Bust of Maximinus I, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse Legend: SALVS AVGVSTI S C
Type: Salus, draped, seated left, feeding out of patera in right hand snake coiled round altar

 

I'm sorry to hear this. I hope you're feeling better, and I do apologise.

 

You are correct much to my shame. I've has the coin for a very long time, so my only excuse is my lack of skills and knowledge at that time. Thanks for the correction and I will change it forthwith.

 

My two Max Thrax and his wife Paulina










Q

 

Hi @johnmilton,

A Thrax Pax! (I couldn’t resist. )

- Broucheion

 

I think those are very nice…