Maximinus I Thrax Roman AR Antoninianus (NGC Certified Slab)

Own a certified Roman silver Antoninianus of Maximinus I Thrax (AD 235–238), the towering general-turned-emperor, authenticated and slabbed by NGC. This remarkable coin comes from the early years of the Crisis of the Third Century, a time of great upheaval for the Roman Empire.

Maximinus, born of Thracian origin, rose through the ranks of the Roman army to become a powerful legionary commander. In 235 AD, after the assassination of the young Emperor Severus Alexander and his mother during a campaign in Germany, Maximinus was proclaimed emperor by his troops. His nickname “Thrax” reflects his Thracian heritage, and ancient sources describe him as a giant of a man with a heavy brow, strong jaw, and enormous physical stature — so large, it was said he could wear his wife’s bracelet as a ring.

Maximinus heavily favored the military, doubling soldiers’ pay, which placed enormous tax burdens on the civilian population and the Senate. His harsh policies and distance from Rome led to unrest, and eventually, a revolt by the Senate. Maximinus was assassinated during the siege of Aquileia in 238 AD, ending one of the most brutal and turbulent reigns of the era.

Antoninianii of Maximinus typically feature his distinctive, powerful portrait, often radiate-crowned, with reverses celebrating Roman military might or divine favor.

Certified by NGC, this coin offers a dramatic piece of history from the start of Rome’s long period of crisis. A must-have for collectors of soldier-emperors, military history, or rare Roman imperial coins.