© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Denarius - Maximinus Thrax FIDES MILITVM; Fides
| Silver | 2.8 g | 20.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Maximinus I Thrax (Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus) (235-238) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 236-238 |
| Value | Denarius (½) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.8 g |
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#280261 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Fides, draped, standing front, head left, holding military standard in each hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: FIDES MILITVM
Translation:
Fides Militum.
Loyalty of the soldiers.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.13–3.58 g;Diameter varies: 20–21.3 mm;
Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Denarius - Maximinus Thrax (FIDES MILITVM; Fides) coin is that it features the image of the Roman goddess Fides (Fidelity) on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the 3rd century AD. Fides was considered an important virtue in ancient Rome, representing loyalty, honesty, and trustworthiness, and was often depicted holding a sacred object or offering a handshake as a symbol of good faith. The inclusion of Fides on this coin may have been a nod to the importance of loyalty and fidelity in the Roman military, which was a key aspect of Maximinus Thrax's reign as emperor.
