Sestertius (Coin) Portraying Emperor Maximus
236-238
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Diam.: 3 cm (1 3/16 in.)
Classification
coin
Department
Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
141747
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The front (obverse) of this coin portrays the emperor Maximus. The back (reverse) show Maximus, in military attire, standing and holding a baton in his right hand and transverse spear in left hand; behind him are two military standards.
About the Artist
Ancient Roman
The artists attributed to "Ancient Roman" in museum collections represent the anonymous craftsmen who produced the vast output of sculpture, frescoes, mosaics, and reliefs defining Roman visual culture from the Republic (c. 509–27 BCE) to the late Empire (c. 395 CE). Individual identities remain elusive, as Roman makers were typically viewed as skilled tradesmen—often enslaved Greeks or provincial...