Maximus Caesar, Denarius, 3rd century AD
Contemporary imitation - Billon
PLEASE NOTE: this collector's item is unique. We therefore cannot guarantee its availability over time and recommend that you do not delay too long in completing your purchase if you are interested.
Bust of Maximus Caesar (?), bareheaded, right.
Fides, standing, left, between two standards.
A very interesting and very rare coin, it imitates the observe types of coins issued by Maximinus Thrax for his son C. Julius Verus Maximus, known as Maximus Caesar. His types are very rare, especially for the silver coinages. Associated with this portrait, which it is uncertain if belonged to Maximus Caesar, we find a type of reverse that was extremely classic during the period known as the "military crisis", that of Fides surrounded by two standards, symbolising the loyalty of the Roman troops to the emperor. This "barbarian" imitation, a Celtic contemporary imitation, perhaps later, after 238, is apparently a "sauced" coin, i.e. a bronze flan dipped in silver to give it the aspect of real silver coin. It is in a superb style with abstract designs features typical for imitations from this period. A truly exceptional coin for its rarity and beauty. Several small spots of corrosion are visible on the flan, obverse and reverse. Previously cleaned to remove this corrosion, the coin is slightly re-patinated.
IVL VERVS MAXIMVS CAES
FIDES MILITVM
2.86 gr
Silver
Silver can fall into your pocket but also falls between copper and gold in group 11 of the periodic table. Three metals frequently used to mint coins. There are two good reasons for using silver: it is a precious metal and oxidizes little upon contact with air. Two advantages not to be taken for granted.
Here is thus a metal that won’t vanish into thin air.
It’s chemical symbol Ag is derived from the Latin word for silver (argentum), compare Ancient Greek ἄργυρος (árgyros). Silver has a white, shiny appearance and, to add a little bit of esotericism or polytheism to the mix, is traditionally dedicated to the Moon or the goddess Artemis (Diana to the Romans).
As a precious metal, just like gold, silver is used to mint coins with an intrinsic value, meaning their value is constituted by the material of which they are made. It should be noted that small quantities of other metals are frequently added to silver to make it harder, as it is naturally very malleable (you can’t have everything) and thus wears away rapidly.
The first silver coins probably date back to the end of the 7th century BC and were struck on the Greek island of Aegina. These little beauties can be recognized by the turtle featured on the reverse.
The patina of silver ranges from gray to black.
The millesimal fineness (or alloy) of a coin indicates the exact proportion (in parts per thousand) of silver included in the composition. We thus speak, for example, of 999‰ silver or 999 parts of silver per 1 part of other metals. This measure is important for investment coins such as bullion. In France, it was expressed in carats until 1995.
An “MS(63)” quality
As in numismatics it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
Mint State(63)
This means – more prosaically – that it is very unlikely that the coin has circulated, even among few and careful hands. Traces of any manipulations are practically imperceptible and no patina or other form of oxidation has altered the object’s brilliance.