Sestertius. Roman Imperial. Macrinus. Summer 217- early 218 AD. Rome. IMP CAES M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG. Laureate and cuirassed bust of Macrinus with long beard to right. VICT PART PM TRP II COS II PP. Victory with spread wings seated right on cuirass, holding stylus in her right hand, about to inscribe round shield balanced on her left knee; behind cuirass, shields, SC in exergue. Attractive specimen which, despite some light tooling in the fields, retains details of extraordinary quality, exceptionally rare for coins of this type. Fine planchet, far superior to those normally found in these issues, giving the coin an imposing presence. Undoubtedly a remarkable piece that will appeal to the most discerning and specialized collectors.<br><br> The reverse of this magnificent sestertius is a notable example of Roman imperial propaganda. Macrinus presented the costly confrontation at Nisibis (AD 217) as a victory over the Parthians, although in reality it forced him to accept unfavorable peace terms and pay a substantial indemnity.<br><br> Growing military and political opposition paved the way for the rebellion in favor of Elagabalus, which culminated in the defeat and execution of Macrinus and his son Diadumenian in AD 218. This issue illustrates the role of coinage as an instrument of propaganda and a means of legitimizing imperial power. XF. Almost XF. Ric. IV 166. Bmcre. 135. C. 140. Ae. 30,76.

Lot description

Macrinus. Sestertius. Summer 217- early 218 AD. Rome. (Ric-IV 166). (Bmcre-135). (C-140). Anv.: IMP CAES M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG. Laureate and cuirassed bust of Macrinus with long beard to right. Rev.: VICT PART PM TRP II COS II PP. Victory with spread wings seated right on cuirass, holding stylus in her right hand, about to inscribe round shield balanced on her left knee; behind cuirass, shields, SC in exergue. Ae. 30,76 g. Attractive specimen which, despite some light tooling in the fields, retains details of extraordinary quality, exceptionally rare for coins of this type. Fine planchet, far superior to those normally found in these issues, giving the coin an imposing presence. Undoubtedly a remarkable piece that will appeal to the most discerning and specialized collectors.

The reverse of this magnificent sestertius is a notable example of Roman imperial propaganda. Macrinus presented the costly confrontation at Nisibis (AD 217) as a victory over the Parthians, although in reality it forced him to accept unfavorable peace terms and pay a substantial indemnity.

Growing military and political opposition paved the way for the rebellion in favor of Elagabalus, which culminated in the defeat and execution of Macrinus and his son Diadumenian in AD 218. This issue illustrates the role of coinage as an instrument of propaganda and a means of legitimizing imperial power. XF/Almost XF. Est...1500,00.

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Lot 1248 | Roman Imperial

Historical Background

Lot description