Maximinus Thrax

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by randygeki, Jan 10, 2017.

  1. randygeki

    randygeki Coin Collector

    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.



    mxns1232.jpg
    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
     
    Jovian363, chrsmat71, TJC and 18 others like this.
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  3. Jwt708

    Jwt708 Well-Known Member

    I really like that reverse type.

    My only:
    [​IMG]
    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
     
  4. randygeki

    randygeki Coin Collector

    Thats a great sestertius
     
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  5. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

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

    randygeki Coin Collector

    Thanks. It's much nicer in hand, part the toning,part my photo
     
  7. Jwt708

    Jwt708 Well-Known Member

    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.
     
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  8. gsimonel

    gsimonel Well-Known Member

    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.
     
  9. stevex6

    stevex6 Random Mayhem

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

    :rolleyes:

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


    max a.jpg max b.jpg
     
  10. Deacon Ray

    Deacon Ray Well-Known Member

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

    Sallent Live long and prosper

    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.

    Maximinus Thrax denarii.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2017
  12. zumbly

    zumbly Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana

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

    I have one of these as well.

    Maximinus Thrax - Emperor 1814.jpg
     
  13. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

  14. Mikey Zee

    Mikey Zee Delenda Est Carthago

    Great examples!!!

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

    Dougmeister Well-Known Member

    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 ;-)

    download (1).jpg
     
  16. Sallent

    Sallent Live long and prosper

    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.
     
  17. Cucumbor

    Cucumbor Well-Known Member

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

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

    [​IMG]
    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


    [​IMG]
    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
     
  18. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

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

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

    [​IMG]
    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
     
  19. gsimonel

    gsimonel Well-Known Member

    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.
     
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  20. Valentinian

    Valentinian Well-Known Member

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  21. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    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.
     
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