© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Macrinus FIDES MILITVM; Fides
| Gold | 6.3 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Macrinus (Marcus Opellius Macrinus) (217-218) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 217-218 |
| Value | Aureus (25⁄2) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 6.3 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#275066 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Fides, head right, standing front, holding standard in each hand, right foot on helmet.
Script: Latin
Lettering: FIDES MILITVM
Translation:
Fides Militum.
Loyalty of the soldiers.
Comment
Mass varies: 6.2–6.42 g;Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus - Macrinus (FIDES MILITVM; Fides) coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Fides (Fidelity) on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Macrinus. Fides was considered an important virtue in ancient Rome, symbolizing loyalty, honesty, and trustworthiness, and was often depicted holding a staff and a olive branch, as seen on this coin. The inclusion of Fides on the coinage of Macrinus may have been a way to promote the idea of loyalty and fidelity to the emperor and the Roman state, particularly during a time of political instability and conflict.
