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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;ancient coin hunter, post: 3884971, member: 87200&quot;]FIDES MILITVM is a popular reverse type in the 3rd Century A.D. Yet the weird thing about &quot;The Loyalty of the Army&quot; is that it was little more than a bad joke in many cases, and shows us to a great extent how precarious the position of many of the emperors of that time were. </p><p><br /></p><p>Fides was actually a goddess who had a temple in Rome on the Capitoline hill in close proximity to the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus. One notes that the type became much more common during the time of Rome&#039;s 3rd century tumult. Edward Gibbon pointed out &quot;the licentiousness of the soldiers&quot; on many occasions leading to the downfall and death of the presiding ruler. </p><p><br /></p><p>This example of Maximinus Thrax both honors the army and appeals for continued loyalty. Such was not to be since the year 238 was the time of the six emperors. First the governor of Africa, Gordianus, was forced to take up the purple by an angry mob that had murdered Maximinus&#039; tax collectors, and who insisted that he become the figurehead of the revolt. Gordian associated himself with his son Gordian II and prepared to do battle with Capellianus, governor of Numidia who stayed loyal to the Thracian. </p><p><br /></p><p>Marching out with an army of slaves and disgruntled youths, Gordian II died in battle against a single legion commanded by Capellianus. On hearing the news, Gordian I killed himself. The Senate, who had enthusiastically backed the revolt by recognizing the Gordians, was in a very precarious position. Exposed to the anger and rage of Maximinus, they decided to appoint two aged Senators, Pupienus and Balbinus to defend the city. </p><p><br /></p><p>Eventually Pupienus, traveling northward, fortified the city of Aquileia against Maximinus. When Maximinus attacked, he was repulsed by the defenders. The soldiers were cowed and dismayed as the seige dragged on, and FIDES MILITVM became a hopeful paean issued by the emperor. Tired of the cold weather and exposed to the elements, the soldiers killed Maximinus and his son. </p><p><br /></p><p>Maximinus I Thrax, 235-238 A.D.</p><p><br /></p><p>AR Denarius. 19mm, 3.7 grams</p><p><br /></p><p>Obverse: IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG</p><p>Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right</p><p><br /></p><p>Reverse: FIDES MILITVM</p><p>Fides standing between two standards</p><p><br /></p><p>Reference: RIC 18A; Sear 8307</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1025799[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1025800[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p>Please show your hopeful FIDES MILITVM coins if you wish, one of the most poignant propaganda types of the 3rd century...[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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