Series: Empire – Diadumenian
Reference: RIC IV Macrinus 102A

Dynasty and ruler: Severan / Macrinus
Year and mint: 217–218 AD - Rome
Obverse: Bare-headed, draped bust of Diadumenian, right. M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN CAES
Reverse: Diadumenian standing facing, head right, holding a standard in his right hand and sceptre in his left; to right, two standards, one surmounted by an eagle and the other by a wreath. PRINC IVVENTVTIS

Grade: EF- 3.34 g - 12h
Provenance: EMPORIUM HAMBURG 2026

Comment:
Diadumenian was the son of Emperor Macrinus and was only nine years old when his father came to power following the assassination of Caracalla in 217. Shortly afterwards, he was appointed Caesar and heir to the Empire, receiving the name Antoninus in an attempt to associate the new dynasty with the prestige of the Antonines.

Macrinus was the first Roman emperor to attain the throne without previously having been a member of the Senate. His reign was marked by the difficult military situation against the Parthians and by discontent within the army. Meanwhile, Julia Maesa, sister of Julia Domna, promoted the proclamation of her grandson Elagabalus as emperor.

In 218, Macrinus’s troops were defeated near Antioch. Diadumenian, who had shortly before been elevated to the rank of Augustus, attempted to flee to Parthian territory but was captured and executed. He was only ten years old, and his reign as Augustus had lasted just a few weeks.

The obverse depicts the young Diadumenian bare-headed, as befitted his status as Caesar. The reverse shows him holding a standard and a sceptre, accompanied by other military standards and the legend PRINC IVVENTVTIS, “prince of the youth”, a title traditionally granted to young heirs to the Empire.

The strongly military character of the reverse reflects the need to present Diadumenian as the future emperor and to ensure the continuity of a dynasty that depended upon the army’s support. However, the defeat and death of Macrinus brought an end to both father and son barely a year after their rise to power.