Denarius of Maximinus I Thrax c. 236 - 237

Editor: Here we have a Denarius, a Roman coin, of Maximinus Thrax. The coin depicts a portrait of the emperor on one side and, on the other, what appears to be a standing figure. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Well, this coin isn't just currency; it's a carefully crafted piece of propaganda. Consider where these coins circulated – in markets, military camps. The image of Maximinus, a relatively unknown soldier who rose to power, needed to project authority. Editor: So, the coin serves a political purpose, beyond just being money. How effective would you say that was? Curator: Mass production and wide distribution of such imagery was a cornerstone of imperial power. It visually reinforced the Emperor's legitimacy and projected his desired image to a vast audience. Editor: That's fascinating! I never thought about coins as tools of political messaging before. Curator: Precisely! The power of imagery, even on something as small as a coin, shouldn’t be underestimated.