MYSIA. Pergamum. Maximinus I, 235-238. Medallion (Bronze, 44 mm, 44.79 g), Aurelius Neilos, strategos. Blank.
Rev. ЄΠΙ ϹΤΡ ΑΥΡ ΝΕΙ/ΛΟ/Υ ΠΕΡΓΑΜΗΝΩ/Ν / ΠΡΩΤΩΝ Γ ΝΕ/ΩΚΟΡΩΝ Asklepios standing facing on the left, leaning on serpent-entwined staff held in his right hand, and Zeus seated left on the right, holding patera in his right hand and scepter in his left; to right, urn containing palm (?). RPC VI online 4232. SNG Paris 2264. An interesting example with the portrait of Maximinus I erased in an act of damnatio memoriae. The obverse with light deposits and a spot of corrosion and the reverse retoned
, otherwise, very fine.
From a European collection, formed before 2005.
The obverse of this coin is not merely blank, but rather deliberately erased. This form of alteration is not uncommon on coins of Maximinus I from Pergamum, with numerous examples known. Such defacement is a form of
damnatio memoriae - a 'condemnation of memory' - in which a ruler’s portrait was removed or, as in this case, obliterated. Maximinus was not the only emperor subjected to this treatment; others, including Caligula and Geta, also suffered similar posthumous condemnation.
The exact reason why Pergamum so actively defaced Maximinus’ image remains uncertain. However, the practice is well attested - for instance, see RPC VI 4232, where three examples are defaced, and RPC VI 4233, in which every illustrated specimen shows signs of deliberate erasure.
