Denarius - Maximinus Thrax (SALVS AVGVSTI; Salus) (235-236) front Denarius - Maximinus Thrax (SALVS AVGVSTI; Salus) (235-236) back
Denarius - Maximinus Thrax (SALVS AVGVSTI; Salus) (235-236) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Denarius - Maximinus Thrax SALVS AVGVSTI; Salus

 
Silver 2.7 g 19.5 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Maximinus I Thrax (Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus) (235-238)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
235-236
Value
Denarius (½)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Weight
2.7 g
Diameter
19.5 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#280250
Rarity index
87%

Reverse

Salus, draped, seated left, feeding out of patera in right hand snake coiled round altar.

Script: Latin

Lettering: SALVS AVGVSTI

Translation:
Salus Augusti.
Health of the emperor.

Comment

Mass varies: 0.3–3.66 g;
Diameter varies: 14–21.5 mm;

Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Salus, who was revered as the embodiment of safety, security, and well-being. The coin's design highlights the importance of Salus in Roman culture and underscores the idea that the Roman Empire was not only a political entity but also a cultural and religious one. Additionally, the fact that the coin was minted during the reign of Maximinus Thrax, a military leader who became emperor through a coup, suggests that the coin may have been used as a tool for promoting the emperor's image and legitimacy.