© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Macrinus PONTIF MAX TR P COS P P; Fides
217 year| Gold | 6.4 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Macrinus (Marcus Opellius Macrinus) (217-218) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 217 |
| Value | Aureus (25⁄2) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 6.4 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#274990 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Fides, head right, standing front, holding standard in each hand, right foot on helmet.
Script: Latin
Lettering: PONTIF MAX TR P COS P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Consul, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power, consul, father of the nation.
Comment
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 (PONTIF MAX TR P COS P P; Fides) (217) coin is that it features the image of the Roman goddess Fides (Faith) on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Macrinus. Fides was an important symbol of the Roman state and was often depicted holding a patera (a shallow dish used for rituals) and a scepter. The inclusion of Fides on the coinage of Macrinus may have been a way to emphasize the importance of loyalty and fidelity to the Roman state during a time of political instability.
