217 AD - 218 AD

Nicopolis ad Istrum   Moesia Inferior   Macrinus
Νικόπολις προς Ιστρον   Κάτω Μοισία   Μακρίνος
 AE 27
 SHH 34

34 Nicopolis ad Istrum Moesia Inferior Macrinus AE

Parameter

Obverse
Reverse

Notes
Reference

Provenance
Donated
 13.84 g   25.9-27.2 mm   2.9 eqmm    7:00 o'clock   VF   centering + / +
σmax(SigmaTest, 240 Hz) = obv. 10.8, rev. 11.0 MS/m
Laureate and cuirassed bust of Macrinus right; AVT K M OΠEΛ / [CEV] MAKPEINOC.
Jupiter seated left holding patera and scepter;
VΠ CTA ΛONΓINOV NI / KOPOΛITΩN ΠRO around, in exergue C ICTRON.
 ?
AMNG I/1 1720/3; BMC 46; Copenhagen ---; Lindgren I 720; Moushmov 1249;
Sear Greek Imperial ---; Varb anov 3487
22.9.2003
Griechisches Münzwerk, Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften, 11.2018



Macrinus   (217 - 218 AD)

Marcus Opellius Macrinus later took the name Marcus Opellius Severus Macrinus, born circa 164 - 165 AD. Macrinus was born into an Equestrian order family in Caesara, Mauretania. He went to Rome to seek a living as an advocate, and found employment in the household of Severus, eventually rising to become the Praetorian Prefect under Caracalla. During the eastern campaign of 217 AD, Caracalla heard a prophecy that Macrinus was destined to become Emperor. Knowing the suspicious nature of Caracalla, and thus fearing for his own safety, Macrinus commissioned the murder of the emperor, on April 8th, 217 AD. Several days later (April 11th), the eastern legions hailed Macrinus as emperor, and his son Diadumenian as Caesar, and the elevation was soon ratified by the Senate and accepted by the western legions. The reign of Macrinus was pleasant enough for Rome and Italy, as he took steps to alleviate the burden of taxation and duties. However, Macrinus soon alienated the army, by suffering a minor defeat and concluding a humiliating peace treaty at the hands of the Parthians, and by reducing the legionary pay rates. A mutiny, inspired by the sister of Julia Domna, broke out in Syria in the spring of 218 AD. In an effort to regain the loyalty of the troops, Macrinus elevated his son to the rank of Augustus and declared a large donative. These measures were too late, however, and Macrinus and Diadumenian were captured and executed in June. Apparently, Macrinus spent his entire reign in the east, never returning to Rome.