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RIC IV Maximus 6

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Maximus 6. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Maximinus Thrax; Maximus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Maximus, bare-headed, draped, right, with the legend C IVL VERVS MAXIMVS CAES.

The reverse shows priestly emblems: jug between lituus, knife and patera on left and to right simpulum and sprinkler, with the legend PIETAS AVG S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
11
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 to 238, having been proclaimed by the Pannonian army following the assassination of Severus Alexander. His rise to power marked the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century, a fifty-year period of instability and civil war. His reign concluded during the senatorial revolt of 238 when he was assassinated by troops of Legio II Parthica while advancing towards Rome.

Struck at the Rome mint under the authority of Maximinus Thrax and Maximus, this bronze sestertius features Maximus on the obverse accompanied by the legend "C IVL VERVS MAXIMVS CAES". In imperial Roman coinage, the sestertius represented a denomination useful for commerce, originally valued at two and a half asses or one quarter of a denarius. The reverse depicts priestly emblems, including a jug alongside a lituus, knife, patera, simpulum, and sprinkler, paired with the legend "PIETAS AVG S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Maximinus Thrax; Maximus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Maximus, bare-headed, draped, right
Reverse
Priestly emblems: jug between lituus, knife and patera on left and to right simpulum and sprinkler
Obverse legend
C IVL VERVS MAXIMVS CAES
Reverse legend
PIETAS AVG S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Maximus 6
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
C IVL VERVS MAXIMVS CAES
Reverse legend to match
PIETAS 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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