Maximinus II VIRTVS EXERCITVS from Antioch with awesomely engraved obverse

This coin checked a lot of boxes for me—helmet with Sol in quadriga and griffin on crest, shield with two horsemen and four enemies and a gorgon on the cuirass.



some conjecture in an attempt to put this type in context--

Though the mint of Antioch struck this type for Galerius and Maximinus; the obverse with the highly decorated armored bust was only struck for Maximinus II. Antioch was likely his principal residence from 309- 311, so not surprising this special type was struck there. This type may also have referenced the campaign against the Sassanids (not only the martial bust, but also battle scene on shield) waged by Maximinus (late 309-early 310) and perhaps also his desire to be named Augustus; which may have happened during the same campaign-- “at the last general muster he had been saluted by his army under the title of Augustus.” (Lactantius XXXII) Galerius recognized him as Augustus (mid 310) but since the troops of Maximinus had already raised him up, this was probably just a formality.



Maximinus II
A.D. 309- 310
26 mm 6.4g
MAXIMINVS NOB CAES; Helmeted and cuirassed bust left, holding spear over his right shoulder and shield decorated with two horsemen riding to left (waving banners), four enemies below them; on cuirass, gorgoneion; on helmet, Sol standing facing in quadriga, raising his right hand in salute and holding globe in his left, around, stars and crescent; crest of helmet ending in griffin.
VIRTVS EXERCITVS; Virtus standing front, head to left, resting her right hand on decorated shield and holding spear in her left; in field to left, altar; B in right field.
In ex. ANT
RIC VI Antioch 125

 

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Lovely and interesting coin.

 

That's a type of Maximin Daia that I have never seen before. Just a fabulous coin @Victor_Clark with incredible detail.

 

Really cool martial bust on that one!

 

Congratulations @Victor_Clark . This is a very scarce and sought after type. A few have been on the market recently but not in high grade like this. A great treasure!

 

I've been poking around and the most economical one I could find is $990, though the condition does not match yours. Outstanding (once again)

 

Awesome coin, Victor. Congrats.

 

Amazing, @Victor_Clark. Kind of detail on the obverse you might associate more with sestertii from the 1st or 2nd century. You get the visceral sense that it was intended as a special issue, as you note, likely in a commemorative capacity. (...Sorry; just got up; Way too verbose....)

 

I always found it interesting how Maximinus Daia had that weird flat face, which I don't really see in any other emperors

 

Congratulations! This one was sold on auction recently, right? I remember seeing it, liking it, but deciding to spend my money on some other coin.

 

Yes, my example sold recently at auction as did this one, which I lost. The one below has a Victory holding wreath to the left of the two riders on the shield.

 

Collecting late Romans at this level is both artistic and scientific, I think. Always interesting when you share it.

 

Awesome coin VC. Though we will never know, this really seems to be a possible case where the Emperor may have been personally consulted on the details of the design. You could imagine him directing such a shield or instead a sycophantic mint master proffering such a design to try to please.

I am jealous of your find.

SC