Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;TJC, post: 3010853, member: 45502&quot;]Last but not least is this ‘late’ portrait of the Thracian giant with a bull neck and a strong jawline that extends out to a prominent chin.&nbsp; It too is a recent purchase.&nbsp; The high relief of the obverse is quite nice as it emphasizes the brutish features of Maximinus Thrax who is thought to have had gigantism (acromalogy).&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a debate over this that will likely never be solved but what we do know is that he was a very big dude!&nbsp; This late portrait style is said to support the ‘gigantism’ camp followers because abnormal growth of the jaw is characteristic of the acromalogy.&nbsp; I consider the gigantism theory a plausible theory but also believe he could have just been a big dude.</p><p><br /></p><p>Both the obverse and reverse of this sestertius has a fantastic tan/green/red mottled patina that I really like.&nbsp; The reverse shows a weakly struck Victory in Fine to maybe VF condition.&nbsp; It appears to me that the large obverse portrait stole the majority of the metal during striking.&nbsp; It is doubtful that high detail on this Victory reverse was ever fully struck up. At least some of the flatness of Victory can be attributed to shallow strike and not just wear.&nbsp; Despite the shallow strike and wear I consider this Victory to be Victory for me because of its great eye appeal.&nbsp; The artistry of Victory, the detail on the wings, and the patina makes this reverse one of my favorite Victories!</p><p><br /></p><p>Maximinus Thrax would be Emperor for 3 years and 3 months.&nbsp; While Maximinus Thrax excelled on the battlefield against barbarians he bungled it against Aquilea’s walls.&nbsp; Maximinus pushed his men too hard.&nbsp; They murdered him before the gates of Aquileia, a Roman city that refused him as emperor.</p><p>[ATTACH=full]746720[/ATTACH][ATTACH=full]746721[/ATTACH]</p><p>Maximinus I (Late portrait)</p><p>AE sestertius. AD 235-236.</p><p>O: MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG GERM. Late portrait style.</p><p>Rx: VICTORIA GERMANICA, Victory standing over Germanic captive holding wreath and palm.&nbsp; Sear 8341, RIC 90, BMC 191</p><p>17.73 grams, 31 mm</p><p><br /></p><p>I currently reading “Maximinus Thrax, Strongman Emperor of Rome”.&nbsp; Great book; $2.00 purchase on Kindle with my iPhone.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in