217-218AD Macrinus Silver Denarius – gVF
This attractive silver Denarius of Macrinus boasts a bold imperial portrait enhanced by beautiful cabinet toning, offering collectors a tangible link to one of Rome’s most intriguing and short-lived emperors. The reverse depicts FELICITAS TEMPORVM, with Felicitas standing left holding a long caduceus and cornucopia, symbolising peace, prosperity, abundance, and the emperor’s hopeful promise of happier times for the Roman world.
This coin, graded good Very Fine, slight weakness in strike to reverse, else a pleasing example of this emperor!
Description
Origin:Roman Empire
Region:Rome, Italy, 2nd Emission
Denomination:Denarius
Composition:Silver
Date:Struck 217-218 A.D.
Obverse:IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG, Laureate and cuirassed bust right
Reverse:FELICITAS TEMPORVM, Felicitas standing left, holding long caduceus and cornucopia
Diameter, Weight & Orientation:19mm, 3.40 g, 12h
Grade:good Very Fine, slight weakness in strike to reverse, else a pleasing example of this emperor!
Provenance:Ex dealers stock, previously CNG Auctions, USA
References:Sear.7332 RIC.59, RSC.15a
Macrinus (217–218 AD): The Emperor Who Rose from the Ranks
Birth and Family Background
Macrinus was born around 165 AD in Caesarea. His full name was Marcus Opellius Macrinus. Unlike most Roman emperors, he came from the equestrian order rather than the ancient senatorial aristocracy. Consequently, his rise looked less like a noble inheritance and more like an ambitious career ladder climbed at remarkable speed.
Parents and Family Line
Ancient sources reveal frustratingly little about Macrinus’s parents, although they almost certainly belonged to a prosperous provincial family in North Africa. Nevertheless, he established the Opellii family line on the imperial stage and became the first emperor from Mauretania.
From Lawyer to Emperor
Macrinus built his reputation as a skilled lawyer and administrator. Eventually, Emperor Caracalla appointed him Praetorian Prefect, one of the empire’s most powerful positions. However, in April 217 AD, Caracalla was assassinated during a campaign in the East. Soon afterwards, the army proclaimed Macrinus emperor.
A Brief Joint Rule
Macrinus understood the importance of dynastic stability. Therefore, in May 218 AD, he elevated his young son Diadumenian to the rank of Augustus, creating a joint rule. Admittedly, the arrangement lasted only a few weeks, but Roman politics rarely offered lengthy probation periods.
Downfall and Legacy
Meanwhile, supporters of Elagabalus rallied against him. After the Battle of Antioch in June 218 AD, Macrinus fled but failed to escape. Captors seized him, and they executed him shortly afterwards. Although his reign proved brief, Macrinus remains significant because he broke the traditional mould: a provincial equestrian who reached the highest office in Rome through ability, ambition, and perhaps a little too much confidence
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