Coin of Nicomedia under Maximinus I c. 235 - 238

Curator: This small artifact is a coin from Nicomedia, minted during the reign of Maximinus I Thrax. Editor: It’s incredible; just holding it, I feel the weight of history—the worn metal, the eroded details hinting at a long life in circulation. Curator: The portrait of Maximinus on one side is an interesting construction of power, particularly given how he came into power. Editor: Yes, and consider what it meant to hold such a symbol of power in your palm. What sort of labor went into the production of this metal and its minting? Curator: The reverse shows a temple, underscoring the emperor’s divine authority, though it should be noted Maximinus' reign was marked by political instability. Editor: I’m struck by the sheer volume of these coins that must have been produced—a testament to the economic activity tied to Roman imperial ambitions. Curator: Precisely, these coins highlight how Roman identity, authority, and even governance permeated everyday life. Editor: And I keep wondering: what did this coin purchase for someone? Curator: Food for thought, indeed, about consumption, empire, and daily life.