Maximinus Thrax

This is an emperor that I've wanted for a while, I find him very interesting. I either found coins that were to pricey or to crappy. This one I picked up for $36 shipped. The only complaint is the blotchy toning but something I can live with...... or get rid of easily with lemon juice It does obscure some detail.




Maximinus I Denarius. 236 AD. 2.81g
IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. / P M TR P II COS P P, Maximinus standing between two legionary standards RIC 3, RSC 55, BMC 77

 

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I really like that reverse type.

My only:

Maximinus Thrax, Rome, AD 235-238
AE, sestertius, 31mm, 20g; 12h; AD 235-236
Obv.: IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG; laureate, draped bust right
Rev.: PROVIDENTIA AVG; Providence standing left with cornucopiae and wand over globe at feet, S-C across field

 

Thats a great sestertius

 

A lovely coin as is Randy. Sharp details on the reverse and a nice portrait.

 

Thanks. It's much nicer in hand, part the toning,part my photo

 

One I would love to have, not only because of the reverse but I like how his chin and nose are really getting out there.

 

Careful with the lemon juice. Denarii were only about 50% silver or less during this time period. If you leave it on too long you will likely end up with a very rough, unattractive surface as the copper is eaten away by the acid in the juice.

 

randygeki => wow, congrats on scoring that awesome OP-winner!!



I also happen to have an AR denarius example of this fella ...

 

That's what I call a perfect patina! The bronze and dark green together make a beautiful coin!

 

Lemon juice is best for earlier silver. For later denarii try household ammonia. If you want to be gentle, 50% ammonia and 50% distilled water should be a safe mix for any ancient coin (except maybe nickel or potin coins). It will remove the toning and do zero damage to the metal. Lemon is just too harsh. It's the poor people's remedy, but carries more risks. Ammonia is fool proof, and worth the effort getting

My Thrax. No chin on mine.

 

Nice score, Randy. The die cutter of the reverse did some really nice work!

I have one of these as well.

 

Gotta love that chin. Nice NP @randygeki.

 

Great examples!!!

For the price, Randy, I think you have a terrific coin!! A bargain I would've snapped up!

 

Ever since @John Anthony got me interested in ancients, I'm constantly amazed by the sheer breadth of interesting items to collect over the millennia...

I give this thread two thumbs-up just for the guy's name... "Maximinus Thrax"... sounds like a lead character in the next "Transformers" movie ;-)

 

Oh, the ancient Romans saw this guy in the same way we would see a Transformer if it were to become leader of the US...a ruthless alien oppressor. It was bad enough that he was the first true Barbarian emperor (something that would become more common in later decades) but to make things worse, Maximinus Thrax appears to have come straight from a mud hut into the Roman Army and then into ultimate power. In other words no shred of noble blood, not even noble barbarian blood. That the Senate could not stomach. It's bad enough to be a Barbarian emperor of foreign kingly stock, but a barbarian pig farmer and warrior raised in a mud hut becoming the Emperor after murdering a well liked Emperor, that was bound to end in disaster and civil war.

 

Nice shot @randygeki and the price you paid makes me envious.

I have two of his (could call him Django unchined though )


Maximinus, Denarius struck in Rome in 236 AD
IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG, Laureate and draped bust of Maximinus right
PAX AVGVSTI, Pax standing left, holding an olive tree branch
3.33 gr
Ref : Cohen #31, RCV #8310



Maximinius, Sestertius Rome mint AD 235/236
IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right
PROVIDENTIA AVG, Providentia standing left, holding cornucopia, globe at her feet
22.73 gr
Ref : Cohen # 80, RCV # 8337

Q

 

It's better then I thought too, great price.

Though about adding more, but moreso Tets. then a denarius.


Maximinus (235 - 238 A.D)
AR Denarius
O: MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG GERM, Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
R: PAX AVGVSTI, Pax standing facing, head left, holding olive branch and transverse scepter.
20mm
3.1g
Rome
RIC 019 RSC 037

 

To add to Sallent's comments, "Thrax" means "from Thrace," definitely Barbarian territory. Furthermore, evidence, including the protruding chin, suggests that Maximinus may have exhibited acromegaly, a.k.a, gigantism, as a result of an overactive pituitary gland. He was huge--extremely tall with oversized hands and feet. To Roman sensibilities, he must have presented a very bizarre, intimidating appearance.

 

Here is a thread discussing the use of ammonia on coins:

https://www.cointalk.com/threads/cleaning-coins-with-ammonia.260487/

 

For someone famous, Andre the Giant is one of them, or Paul Wight A.K.A. Big Show, both WWF/WWE Wrestlers. They had/have it.