Series: Empire - Macrino
Reference: RIC IV Macrinus 80a

Gens and monetary:Severe Parentheses - Macrino
Year and mint:From 217 AD to 218 AD - Rome
Obverse:Bust of Macrinus, laureate, long beard, draped, right. IMP CM OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG
Reverse:Providentia, covered, standing on the left, holding the wand in the right hand over the globe placed on the ground and cornucopias in the left hand. IMP CM OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG

Grade:EF 2.8 g - 11h
Origin:Jesus Vico 2024

Comment:
Macrinus was an emperor who broke with the direct line of the Severan dynasty. He rose to power after the death of Caracalla in 217 AD, whom he had served as prefect of the praetorium. Although he attempted to legitimize his position by associating with the Severi, he did not really belong to that family and his reign represented a brief interruption before the restoration of the Severi under Elagabalus.
Macrinus was the first emperor of equestrian origin who was not part of the senatorial class or the traditional Roman aristocracy. He ruled from 217 to 218 AD, after orchestrating the assassination of Caracalla. His tenure was marked by an attempt to reform the army and achieve peace with the Parthians, although his military policy was unpopular among the legions. He was eventually overthrown in 218 AD. by Elagabalus’ forces, supported by the Severa family.
Between 217 and 218 AD, Rome experienced a brief phase of political instability under the rule of Macrinus. Following the assassination of Caracalla, Macrinus sought to stabilize the Empire’s borders and restore internal order, but his non-aristocratic origins and tensions with the army complicated his rule. In this context, the revolt arose that led to the rise of Elagabalus, restoring the Severan dynasty to the throne.
On the obverse, the laureate, draped bust of Macrinus with long beard projects the image of a traditional and militarily successful ruler, with the laurel wreath symbolizing victory. The reverse features Providentia, holding a wand over a globe and a cornucopia. Providentia suggests that Macrinus intended to be seen as a leader who would secure the future of the Empire, while the cornucopia symbolizes the abundance he hoped to bring. However, his short and unstable reign calls into question whether this symbolism corresponded to reality.