DI-5735 | RIC IV Macrinus 80a
Macrinus
Macrinus

Dynasty: Severan
Emperor: Macrinus
Authority: Macrinus
Date and mint: AD 217/AD 218 - Rome


Obverse: Bust of Macrinus, laureate, beard long, draped, right
Legend: IMP CM OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG

Reverse: Providentia, draped, standing left, holding a varita in right hand on the globe colocado in the ground and cornucopiae in left hand.
Legend: PROVIDENTIA DEORVM

Comment: Macrinus broke the direct line of the Severan dynasty. He came to power after the death of Caracalla in AD 217, having served as praetorian prefect. Although he tried to legitimize himself by association with the Severans, he did not truly belong to that family, and his reign was a brief interruption before the Severan restoration under Elagabalus. Macrinus was the first emperor of equestrian origin who was not a member of the senatorial aristocracy. He ruled from AD 217 to 218 after arranging Caracalla's assassination. His rule was marked by attempts to reform the army and make peace with the Parthians, but his military policy proved unpopular with the legions. The obverse, showing Macrinus laureate and draped with a long beard, projects traditional and military authority. The reverse shows Providentia holding a wand over a globe and a cornucopia, suggesting foresight and future security for the Empire, although his short and unstable reign cast doubt on that promise.

Provenance: Classical num (2014)
Price: 441 €