Maximinus I AD 235-238 Silver Denarius Rome mint

MAXIMINUS I AD 235-238, Silver Denarius, Rome mint

Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right/Maximinus standing between standards

RCV8311, 2.83g, 19mm

This coin comes with an old handwritten label. Ex Brighstone Collection.

Born of peasant stock Maximinus had a career in the army where his size and strength brought him to the attention of Septimius Severus who gave him a position in the imperial bodyguard. Later promoted by Caracalla to centurion. When Caracalla was assassinated he relinquished his rank and his career did not resume until Severus Alexander was emperor. Gaining rapid promotion he commanded a legion in Egypt before being appointed as governor of Mesopotamia. Disillusioned by the passive policy of Alexander he gained the support of the army and was proclaimed Augustus following the murder of Alexander and his mother.
Militarily Maximinus very successful achieving dramatic victories on both the Rhine and Danube. His reputation for harsh discipline however made him feared not only by the military but also the population as a whole. This resulted in a senatorial conspiracy which was headed up by the elderly governor of North Africa Gordianus and his son of the same name. Following the collapse of this revolt in North Africa the Senate had little choice but to back a new uprising as coin dies had already been issued in the name of the usurpers. Upon his return to Italy Maximinus was murdered, along with his son Maximus, as they slept after a midday meal.
No antoniniani were issued during the reign although there was a limited issue of gold coins.