Maximinus Thrax, denarius, silver, reign 235–238, minted 235–238

Maximinus Thrax, denarius, silver, reign 235–238, minted 235–238, 3.25 g, 20 mm. Obverse: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right; legend MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG GERM. Reverse: Victory standing left holding wreath and palm, captive seated at feet; legend VICTORIA GERM. Strike: well-centered strike with complete legends visible. Toning: light silver-grey toning with some darker peripheral areas. References: RIC IV Maximinus Thrax 23 (denarius). This coin was issued during the reign of Maximinus Thrax, a soldier-emperor of the mid-3rd century CE. The reverse type, depicting Victory with a wreath and palm over a seated captive, refers to the emperor's military successes in Germania. Such imagery was used as imperial propaganda to reinforce the legitimacy of the ruler, particularly in times of political instability. Silver denarii of this period marked one of the final phases of the denomination before gradual debasement in later reigns. This issue was struck in Rome and is attributed to the early part of Maximinus Thrax’s reign.