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Macrinus
Macrinus, 217 – 218. Denarius, AR 3.50 g. IMP C M OPEL SEV – MACRINVS AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. FIDES MILITVM Fides standing facing, head r. and r. foot on helmet, holding standard in each hand. C 23. BMC 12. RIC 67. Ex. Ira & Larry Goldberg Auction 80, lot 3198, 2014. Ex. NAC Auction 106, lot 715, 2018.
Ex. NAC Auction 131, lot 66, 2022 .
Macrinus, born in AD 165 in Caesarea (modern-day Algeria), holds a unique place in Roman history as the first emperor who was not a senator before his ascension. His rise to power exemplifies the volatile nature of Roman imperial politics during the turbulent third century.
Originally named Marcus Opellius Macrinus, he came from a modest equestrian background and pursued a career in law and administration. His competence earned him a role in Emperor Caracalla’s court as *praetorian prefect*, the commander of the imperial guard. This position, both powerful and perilous, placed Macrinus in close proximity to the emperor, whose capricious and violent reign bred discontent across the empire. When Caracalla was assassinated in AD 217 during a military campaign in the East, many suspected Macrinus’s involvement, although the details remain obscure.
Macrinus was swiftly proclaimed emperor by the troops, a testament to his ability to navigate Rome’s military-political complex. However, his lack of senatorial experience and noble lineage posed significant challenges to his legitimacy. Attempting to stabilize the empire, he pursued policies of economic restraint, including reducing military pay, and sought to conclude costly conflicts, such as the ongoing war with Parthia. These decisions, though pragmatic, alienated the legions and further weakened his position.
Macrinus’s reign lasted a mere 14 months. He was overthrown in AD 218 by forces loyal to Elagabalus, a teenage claimant supported by Julia Maesa, the ambitious aunt of Caracalla. Captured after his defeat, Macrinus was executed, marking a dramatic end to his brief rule.
Although his tenure was short and marked by instability, Macrinus’s story highlights the fragility of power in the Roman Empire. His rise from humble beginnings and fall as an outsider underscore the profound challenges faced by those who ascended Rome’s throne without the backing of its entrenched aristocracy.
In spite of his short reign and less-than-aristocrat background, Macrinus denarii are often of very high quality and standout among the majority of mediocre-to-awful 3rd century Roman coinage. His portraits come in "long beard" and "short beard" styles, this coin is one of the former. it is in an exquisite state of preservation with a near flawless obverse and reverse. The portrait is of fine style and the reverse has exceptionally detailed Fides and standards.