Got a neat little coin in the mail today. Has a lot going for it that I like, though condition is lacking. It cost me $16.60. I wanted coin of Macrinus and Diadumenian; 2 birds for one coin! It has a nice patina (in hand at least) is from the Butte College Foundation, ex Lindgren and a rare bust variant as well. Macrinus, 11 April 217 - 8 June 218 A.D., Antioch, Syria Bronze provincial as, McAlee 736; Hunter III, 243 - 244; BMC Galatia p. 200, 403 ff. var (busts); SNG Cop 234 var (same), aF, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, weight 2.175g, maximum diameter 17.8mm, die axis 180o, obverse AYT KAI M O CE MAKPINOC CE, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Macrinus, from the front; reverse KAI M O ∆IA ANTΩNEINOC, bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Diadumenian, seen from the front, S - C flanking across field; from the Butte College Foundation, ex Lindgren; very rare bust variant; The Battle of Antioch. After Macrinus foolishly cut legionary pay, Legio III Gallica hailed Elagabalus as emperor on 16 May 218. Macrinus sent cavalry but they too joined Elagabalus. Macrinus finally abandoned his pay cut and paid a bonus, but it was too late. Legion II Parthica defected. General Gannys, the commander of Elagabalus' forces, decisively defeated Macrinus was just outside Antioch on 8 June 218. Macrinus shaved off his hair and beard and fled, disguised as a member of the military police. He was recognized by a centurion at Chalcedon on the Bosporus, taken back to Antioch and executed.
Cool addition, randygeki (congrats) ... and only $16.60 (that's amazing) => oh, I also like your lil' write-up-blurb (very cool) I have a sweet Macrinus example ... Macrinus. AR Denarius Rome mint. 3rd emission March-June AD 218 217-218 AD Diameter: 19 mm Weight: 2.95 grams Obverse: Laureate and draped bust right Reverse: Aequitas standing left, holding scales and cornucopia
Nice coin, Randy. I've seen a few ex-Lindgren coins on the market from time to time, but none of them seemed to fit my collecting interests. It's a nice provenance. Yeah, that was a boneheaded business. Rome was not a democracy. Emperors stayed in power by support of the military. Cutting soldiers' salaries - always a bad idea.
It was a wise move economically, as the cost of defense was becoming overly burdensome to the Roman economy by this time. If the Roman empire wished to flourish, they needed such an action. However, he was not a popular emperor with the military to begin with, and you are right cutting soldier wages was a unwise move at the time if he wished to stay in power. Its similar to today, where this country could greatly benefit in spending reductions if we wish to prosper long term, but I do not know if any politician can take the heat from the various affected parties to do so, just like Marcinus could not "take the heat" from the military and their dissatisfaction with lower pay.
Some of my favorite coins are Macrinus coins. Here is one: MACRINUS AR Denarius OBVERSE: IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG, laureate & cuirassed bust with short beard right REVERSE: PONTIF MAX TR P COS P P, Securitas standing left, holding scepter & leaning on column Struck at Rome, 217 AD 3.15, 20mm RIC 24, RSC 62, BMC 40
Ty all. Actually to honest, I didn't notice the provenance until after I placed my order I'm glad it has it though.
that's cool RG, I have only this one diadumenian, in similar condition to yours. this one is somewhat rare (ish). I don't have a macrinus.
C71. Do you really want me to clean this coin by digging the sand inside and pulling it out ? I dare not. Charles
NO NO...sorry! "dig"is an old slang for "like". let me rephrase.. I LIKE your desert sandy patina on the coins you post!
ahaha ... do you think that's gonna clear things up!! => ummm chrsmat, you want that Shaft-guy to dig the sand from his coin?!!
You're doin' fine, my friend ... you know most of my language, yet I know zero of your native-tongue (good on ya => you win, brother)
Macrinus AE Denarius. 217-218 AD, 2.6g, 18mm OBV: IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG. Laureate and cuirassed bust right. REV: FELICITAS TEMPORVM, Felicitas standing left holding short caduceus and scepter. REF: RIC 62, RSC 19a, BMC 9
