Maximinus Thrax, Denarius, silver, reign 235-238, minted 235-238

Maximinus Thrax, Denarius, silver, reign 235-238, minted 235-238, weight 3.20 g, diameter 20 mm. Obverse: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust facing right, legend IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG. Reverse: Pax standing left, draped, holding branch in extended right hand and transverse sceptre in left hand, legend PAX AVGVSTI. Strike appears centered with full detail in obverse and reverse legends. Toning is consistent with natural silver patination. References: RIC IV Maximinus Thrax 12 (denarius). This coin was struck during the reign of Maximinus Thrax, a soldier-emperor who ruled the Roman Empire from 235 to 238. The denarius was the principal silver denomination of the period and was widely used in daily transactions. The reverse depiction of Pax symbolized the emperor’s intention to convey stability and peace, despite ongoing military campaigns, particularly along the frontiers. Coins of this type were distributed throughout the empire and serve as evidence of both monetary circulation and imperial propaganda during the early Crisis of the Third Century.