Aureus - Macrinus PONTIF MAX TR P II COS II P P
218 year| Gold | 7.2 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Macrinus (Marcus Opellius Macrinus) (217-218) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 218 |
| Value | Aureus (25⁄2) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7.2 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#275035 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Macrinus, in slow quadriga, left, crowned by Victory, behind him, holding branch in right hand and eagle-tipped sceptre in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: PONTIF MAX TR P II COS II P P
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate Secunda, Consul Secundum, Pater Patriae.
High priest, holder of tribunician power for the second time, consul for the second time, father of the nation.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus coin is that it was issued during the reign of Macrinus, who was the first Roman emperor to be born in the Roman provinces, specifically in Mauretania (present-day Morocco). This coin was minted in 218 AD and features an image of Macrinus on one side and the goddess Victory on the other. Despite being made of gold, the coin weighs only 7.2 grams, which is relatively light compared to other gold coins of the time. This may indicate that the coin was intended for circulation among the general population, rather than being a high-value coin reserved for the elite.