The New York Sale
Auction 54 11 Jan 2022
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Maximinus I 'Thrax'. Æ Sestertius (27.36 g.), AD 235-238. Rome, AD 236/7. MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Maximinus I right. Reverse: FIDES MILITVM around, S C across field, Fides standing facing, head left, holding two standards. RIC 78; BMC 140-1. Glossy dark reddish-brown patina. Extremely Fine / Very Fine. Estimated Value $350 - UP
This sestertius utilizes a true-to-life portrait of Maximinus I, showing his large chin and and other heavy facial features. According to the ancient author and contemporary, Herodian, Maximinus was "of such frightening appearance and colossal size that there is no obvious comparison to be drawn with any of the best-trained Greek athletes or warrior elite of the barbarians" (Herodian vii.1.2). This has lead some modern researchers to suspect that Maximinus suffered from some form of growth disorder, such as gigantism or acromegaly.
Peter Corcoran Collection, Purchased privately from Empire Coins in March 1987. Ex Walter Niggeler Collection.
This sestertius utilizes a true-to-life portrait of Maximinus I, showing his large chin and and other heavy facial features. According to the ancient author and contemporary, Herodian, Maximinus was "of such frightening appearance and colossal size that there is no obvious comparison to be drawn with any of the best-trained Greek athletes or warrior elite of the barbarians" (Herodian vii.1.2). This has lead some modern researchers to suspect that Maximinus suffered from some form of growth disorder, such as gigantism or acromegaly.
Peter Corcoran Collection, Purchased privately from Empire Coins in March 1987. Ex Walter Niggeler Collection.