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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Orielensis, post: 5145702, member: 96898&quot;]I don&#039;t know whether Macrinus is anyone&#039;s favorite emperor - but due to the quality of engraving on this recent acquisition, he could become mine:</p><p><font size="3"><br /></font></p><p><font size="3">[ATTACH=full]1207853[/ATTACH] </font></p><p><font size="3">Macrinus, Roman Empire, AR denarius, 217–218 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG; laureate and cuirassed short-bearded bust of Macrinus r. Rev: IOVI CONSERVATORI; Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt and sceptre; to left, small figure of Macrinus standing r. 20mm, 3.21g. Ref: RIC IV Macrinus 76b.</font></p><p><br /></p><p>Macrinus began his career under Septimius Severus and served as praetorian prefect under Caracalla. In 217, he was involved in the plot to murder Caracalla. Afterwards, he proclaimed himself emperor together with his son Diadumenian. They were the first Roman emperors who did not hail from the senatorial class. Although Macrinus&#039; policies and actions as a ruler appear rather sound (deflation of currency, peace treaties with the Parthians, Armenians, and Dacians), the remaining members of the Severan dynasty soon gained the upper hand. After defeating Macrinus&#039; forces in battle at Antioch, Julia Maesa, Julia Mamaea and Julia Soaemias managed to install Caracalla&#039;s 14-year old cousin Elagabalus on the throne. Macrinus&#039; and Diadumenian&#039;s short reign ended with their execution in June 218; Elagabalus turned out to be less of a Severan success than had been hoped for.</p><p><br /></p><p>Since Severan period denarii are a focus of my Roman collection, a nice Macrinus was high on my wish list. This one ticked many boxes: it has a wonderful portrait, good style overall, attractive toning, full legends, and a tiny imperial figure standing next to a giant Jupiter to render the reverse interesting. A <a href="https://www.sixbid-coin-archive.com/#/de/search?text=macrinus%20iovi%2076%20grover&amp;companyId=c1154" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.sixbid-coin-archive.com/#/de/search?text=macrinus%20iovi%2076%20grover&amp;companyId=c1154" rel="nofollow">double die-match</a>, albeit in a different state of die wear, was sold by Roma a while ago, so I don&#039;t doubt my coin&#039;s authenticity. At some point, I might start looking for a long-bearded Macrinus or even a Diadumenian, but I doubt that will happen in the near future.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Please show your coins of Macrinus, Diadumenian, or their Severan foes!</b>[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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