Maximinus “providentia” Denarius — Certificate Of Authenticity

A silver denarius of Maximinus I (Maximinus Thrax), struck at Rome between AD 236 and 238, a specimen of great interest to collectors of the “Military Anarchy,” in that it combines, on the obverse, a full-authority titulature (… PIVS AVG GERM) with a martial portrait showing a draped and cuirassed bust, while on the reverse Providentia sets out, with doctrinal clarity, the promise of foresighted government through the wand directed toward the globe and through the cornucopia; the typological ensemble is firmly fixed by cataloguing tradition as RIC IV.II 20 (and is regularly aligned with BMCRE and Cohen notices for the same iconographic formula).

Careful observation under ×10 magnification and raking light: the examination highlights a silver flan of regular module for this very late denarius, bordered by a well-marked peripheral beading, with nuanced grey toning and fine, old circulation traces that do not impair either the reading of the legends or the identification of the attributes; the strike retains sufficient relief to allow, on the obverse, a clear reading of the laureate portrait (hair, beard, wreath ties) and, on the reverse, immediate recognition of Providentia through the cornucopia and the gesture of the wand toward the globe.

Authority / period: Maximinus I (AD 235–238).

Mint: Rome.

Denomination / metal: Denarius, silver (AR).

Diameter / weight: 20 mm; 3.08 g (as stated), within the order of magnitude usually observed for denarii of this reign.

Obverse (type and legend): MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG GERM, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, with a “seen from behind” presentation perceptible through the arrangement of the shoulder and drapery, in accordance with the type descriptions associated with this group.

Reverse (type and legend): PROVIDENTIA AVG, Providentia standing, head turned left, holding the wand above a globe set on the ground, with the cornucopia carried on the arm, a combination of markers corresponding to RIC 20.

Reference: RIC IV.II 20.

In the years AD 235–238, imperial coinage becomes one of the most direct vehicles of legitimation, and the choice of Providentia reads as a condensed political statement: the globe, indicated by the wand, suggests mastery of the Roman world through the prince’s “foresight,” while the cornucopia anchors that mastery in prosperity and supply—themes whose iconographic coherence is widely attested for Maximin’s Rome-mint denarii.

It should further be noted that Maximin’s denarius production is often remarked upon, in collector-oriented reference literature, for its overall engraving quality and the existence of distinct portrait styles, which adds an “study” dimension to the specimen without detracting from its legibility.

In a classic, highly “cabinet” format, this denarius combines a strongly identifying titulature with a reverse expressing a governmental virtue of immediate readability, making it particularly relevant for a collection devoted to the crises of the 3rd century, to civic personifications, or to political types in which the Empire formulates—through images—a promise of stability, direction, and abundance.

The provenance is European, from an established numismatic dealer, and the acquisition was made through a specialized international transaction, conducted within a recognized numismatic network and validated to the highest standards of the art and heritage market; the attribution rests on concordance of legends and attributes with RIC IV.II 20, as repeated in consultable reference works and market comparanda.
Each specimen is examined, described, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity consistent with the standards of the art and heritage market, the present notice being deliberately anchored in observable and documentable elements so that the collector’s confidence rests on a verifiable and durable basis.