AR Denarius, A.D. 235-236, Rome, 20.1mm, 3.28g, 180°, RIC IV 13.
Obv: IMP MAXIMINVS PIVS AVG. laureate draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: PROVIDENTIA AVG. Providentia standing left, wand over globe in right, cornucopia in left.
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Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus Augustus, also known as Maximinus Thrax or Maximinus I, was Roman Emperor from 235 to 238. Maximinus was the first emperor never to set foot in Rome and the first of the so-called barracks emperors of the 3rd century.

Maximinus was born to a common provincial family and was regarded by the Senate as a barbarian. He joined the army during the reign of Septimius Severus and rose to a powerful position under Severus Alexander. While he was in command of the Legio IV Italica, his troops murdered Alexander and his mother because they were angered by his payments to the Alemanni and his avoidance of war. In March of 235, the Praetorian guard proclaimed Maximinus emperor and the choice was grudgingly confirmed by the Senate.

Maximinus reversed Alexander's policy of clemency towards the Christians. They were viewed as unsupportive enemies of the state and persecuted ruthlessly. During his reign, the pay of the army was doubled creating an unpopular and heavy tax burden. He engaged in campaigns to defend the frontiers, which were costly in both money and lives. This resulted in three simultaneous crisis; external invasion, internal civil war and economic collapse. His rule is considered to mark the beginning of the "Crisis of the Third Century".

In 238, a revolt began in the provinces in Africa led by the Gordians. The senate had been showing clear support of this revolt and they also elected Pupienus and Balbinus as co-emperors. In response, Maximunus and his troops launced an attack on Rome but his troops became disaffected during a long and unexpected seige in which they suffered from famine and disease. In April 238, soldiers of the Legio II Parthica in his camp assassinated him, his son, and his chief ministers. Their heads were cut off, placed on poles, and carried to Rome by cavalrymen.