Lot 2901

Description

Maximinus I, (235 A.D.), silver denarius, Rome mint, (3.33 g), obv. laureate bust of Maximinus I to right draped and cuirassed seen slightly from behind, MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG GERM, rev. VICTORIA GERM around, Victory standing almost facing to half left, head to left, holding wreath and palm, at her feet a German captive seated to left head right, with hands tied behind back, (S.8318, RIC 23, BMC 186-9, RSC 107). Nearly extremely fine with traces of mint bloom.

Ex Dr V.J.A. Flynn Collection and previously from M.R. Roberts, Sydney with ticket.
The Battle at the Harzhorn took place in the early 3rd century between Germanic and Roman troops near the Harzhorn hill between the towns of Kalefeld and Bad Gandersheim, in the state of Lower Saxony, Germany. The battlefield, spanning several square kilometers, was discovered in December 2008 and is currently being excavated. Roman coinage found at the site gives a probable date of the battle during the reign of one of two Roman emperors: Severus Alexander (222-235) or Maximinus Thrax (235-238). Germanic tribes had crossed the Rhine and devastated the Roman countryside in 233; in 235, Maximinus Thrax led a campaign of revenge into Germania, which is believed to be the victory claimed on this coin.