Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 135 21 Nov 2022
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The Roman Empire. Macrinus, 217 – 218.
Aureus 217, AV 6.53 g. IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG Laureate and cuirassed bust r. Rev. FIDES MILITVM Fides standing facing, head l.; in field, four standards. C –. BMC –. RIC –. Calicó 2941 (this coin illustrated).
An exceedingly rare variety of a very rare type, in an exceptional state of preservation.
A magnificent portrait of excellent style struck on a very large flan. A perfect Fdc
Ex Sternberg 29, 1995, 493 and CNG 40, 1996, 1591 sales. This coin is illustrated in The Roman Aurei by X. E. Calicó.
A trusted administrator under the Severans, Macrinus rose to become one of two praetorian prefects under the emperor Caracalla. He took a leading role in the plot to murder his benefactor, having himself enlisted the assassin. Three days after Caracalla's assassination, Macrinus was nominated Augustus by the soldiers after pretending to show sorrow for his master's death. For a time he continued the war against the Parthians, but soon tired of it and sued for peace, offering the enemy large payments in exchange for a non-aggression pact. This did not sit well with the soldiers, who perhaps wanted to pursue the campaign and have an opportunity to claim their share of the legendary wealth of the East. Thus, many soldiers soon deserted to the cause of a new rival, the 14-year-old grandnephew of Julia Domna, Elagabalus, who was alleged to be an illegitimate son of Caracalla. When the opponents finally clashed near a small Syrian village outside Antiochia, the forces of Elagabalus got the upper hand and Macrinus fled the field. He made his way in disguise as far as Calchedon before he was captured and executed.
Graded Ch MS* Strike 5/5 Surface 4/5 Fine Style, NGC certification number 6556714-029
Aureus 217, AV 6.53 g. IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG Laureate and cuirassed bust r. Rev. FIDES MILITVM Fides standing facing, head l.; in field, four standards. C –. BMC –. RIC –. Calicó 2941 (this coin illustrated).
An exceedingly rare variety of a very rare type, in an exceptional state of preservation.
A magnificent portrait of excellent style struck on a very large flan. A perfect Fdc
Ex Sternberg 29, 1995, 493 and CNG 40, 1996, 1591 sales. This coin is illustrated in The Roman Aurei by X. E. Calicó.
A trusted administrator under the Severans, Macrinus rose to become one of two praetorian prefects under the emperor Caracalla. He took a leading role in the plot to murder his benefactor, having himself enlisted the assassin. Three days after Caracalla's assassination, Macrinus was nominated Augustus by the soldiers after pretending to show sorrow for his master's death. For a time he continued the war against the Parthians, but soon tired of it and sued for peace, offering the enemy large payments in exchange for a non-aggression pact. This did not sit well with the soldiers, who perhaps wanted to pursue the campaign and have an opportunity to claim their share of the legendary wealth of the East. Thus, many soldiers soon deserted to the cause of a new rival, the 14-year-old grandnephew of Julia Domna, Elagabalus, who was alleged to be an illegitimate son of Caracalla. When the opponents finally clashed near a small Syrian village outside Antiochia, the forces of Elagabalus got the upper hand and Macrinus fled the field. He made his way in disguise as far as Calchedon before he was captured and executed.
Graded Ch MS* Strike 5/5 Surface 4/5 Fine Style, NGC certification number 6556714-029