Roman Empire Maximinus I 1 Denarius

History

1 Denarius 235-238 AD, RIC# 14, Roman Empire, Maximinus I

Obverse. Photo © Sergei Novikov

Description

Maximinus Thrax (Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus Augustus), also known as Maximinus I, was Roman Emperor from 235 to 238. Maximinus is described by several ancient sources, though none are contemporary except Herodian's Roman History. He was a so-called barracks emperor of the 3rd century; his rule is often considered to mark the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century. He died at Aquileia whilst attempting to put down a Senatorial revolt.

Obverse	Person (king, queen, tsar etc.) Maximinus I Maximinus, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Dotted border. IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG (Imperator Maximinus Pius Augustus) IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG
Reverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Snake Deity (god, goddess etc.) Salus Furniture & dishes Patera Salus seated left, feeding from patera a serpent arising from altar. SALVS AVGVSTI (Health for emperor). Salus (Latin: salus, "safety", "salvation", "welfare") was a Roman goddess. She was the goddess of safety and well-being (welfare, health and prosperity) of both the individual and the state. She is sometimes equated with the Greek goddess Hygieia, though her functions differ considerably. Salus is one of the most ancient Roman Goddesses. Salus was often shown seated with her legs crossed (a common position for Securitas), leaning her elbow on the arm of her throne. Often, her right hand holds out a patera (shallow dish used in religious ceremonies) to feed a snake which is coiled round an altar. The snake is reared up and dips its head to the patera. SALVS AVGVSTI
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