Sestertius of Maximinus I c. 3th century

Curator: Here we have a sestertius, essentially a large bronze coin, minted during the reign of Maximinus I Thrax. It weighs in at 23.43 grams. Editor: The verdigris patina gives the piece a rather haunting quality, as if the coin is whispering secrets from the distant past. Curator: The obverse presents a profile portrait of Maximinus, showcasing the distinct features emphasized through carefully crafted relief. Editor: That portrait, though small, speaks volumes about the political need for strongman imagery during periods of unrest. His gaze is severe. Curator: Indeed, and on the reverse, we see a depiction of a standing figure, likely a personification of Pax, the Roman goddess of peace. Editor: The presence of Pax is somewhat ironic given Maximinus’s brutal rise to power and the internal conflicts of his reign. An intentional contradiction? Curator: Perhaps. The artistry and design, in their deliberate construction, offer insight into the mechanisms of power and imperial representation. Editor: Precisely. A small coin, but a powerful artifact for understanding the sociopolitical tensions of the third century.