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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Maximinus Thrax 48

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Maximinus Thrax 48. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Maximinus Thrax. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Maximinus I, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG.

The reverse shows maximinus Thrax, togate, seated left on platform; behind him, two soldiers standing left, holding spears; in front, Liberalitas, draped, standing left, holding abacus in right hand and cornucopiae; before, a citizen climbing steps to the platform, holding out hand; in front of platform, five soldiers holding spears, with the legend LIBERALITAS AVG S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Maximinus Thrax served as Roman emperor from 235 until 238, having been proclaimed emperor by the army after Severus Alexander was murdered. He was the first ruler from neither the senatorial nor the equestrian class, and his reign marked the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century. His rule ended in 238 when he was assassinated at Aquileia during a senatorial revolt.

This bronze sestertius was struck at the mint of Rome under the authority of Maximinus Thrax. During the Roman Empire, the denomination was a large coin that represented one quarter of a denarius, functioning as a regular medium useful for commerce. The reverse legend "LIBERALITAS AVG S C" accompanies a scene depicting the togate emperor seated on a platform flanked by soldiers, alongside Liberalitas holding an abacus and cornucopiae as a citizen climbs the steps.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Maximinus Thrax

Design

Obverse
Bust of Maximinus I, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Maximinus Thrax, togate, seated left on platform; behind him, two soldiers standing left, holding spears; in front, Liberalitas, draped, standing left, holding abacus in right hand and cornucopiae; before, a citizen climbing steps to the platform, holding out hand; in front of platform, five soldiers holding spears
Obverse legend
IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG
Reverse legend
LIBERALITAS AVG S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Maximinus Thrax 48
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
LIBERALITAS AVG S C
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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