Sestertius - Macrinus PONTIF MAX TR P P P S C; Fides
217 year| Bronze | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Macrinus (Marcus Opellius Macrinus) (217-218) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 217 |
| Value | Sestertius (⅛) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#275131 |
|---|---|
| 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 P P S C
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate, Pater Patriae. Senatus Consultum.
High priest, holder of tribunician power, father of the nation. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Sestertius - Macrinus 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 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. 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, as seen on this coin. The inclusion of Fides on the coinage of Macrinus, who was a usurper emperor, suggests that he was trying to legitimize his rule and appeal to the Roman people by associating himself with the traditional values and ideals of the Roman state.
