AAH Macrinus Den "Annona AD 218" SCARCE

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Ancient Auction House presents a GENUINE ANCIENT COIN OF *AAH* Macrinus Den "Annona AD 218" SCARCE *AAH* Macrinus Den "Annona AD 218" SCARCE Macrinus AD 217-218 Silver Denarius "My second appointment of tribunical powers." Obv: IMP C M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG - Laureate bust right, draped. Rev: P M TR P II COS P P - Annona standing left, holding corn ears over modius and cornucopia. Rome mint: Dec (only) AD 217 = RIC IVii, 26 (s) Scarce, page 7 - Cohen 47 – SEAR RCV II (2002), #7340, page 583 Macrinus was emperor for a little more than a year. He was born in Mauretania (North Africa) and, as a young man was an advocate who made his living pleading legal cases. He was made Praetorian Prefect under Caracalla. While he was Praetorian Prefect, a rumor surfaced that an astrologer had predicted that Macrinus would replace Caracalla as emperor. The cruel and suspicious Caracalla had murdered thousands for much less reason than this. According to Edward Gibbon, Macrinus actually intercepted the order for his own execution. In self-defense, he organized a plot and had Caracalla murdered while on a pilgrimage. Macrinus then fought a minor battle against the Parthians, which he lost. This did nothing for his popularity. Many of the soldiers had liked Caracalla because he had paid them lavish bonuses and his father had been a great general. Macrinus attempted to gain a little popularity by giving his son Diadumenian the name Antoninus and making him caesar. It was a politically aware and resourceful woman of the Severan family that brought about the downfall of Macrinus. Julia Maesa was the sister of the powerful and intelligent Julia Domna, widow of Septimius Severus. The people of Rome, especially the Senatorial classes, very well loved both women. Macrinus had banished Julia Domna from Antioch, afraid that her power and popularity would undermine his reign. Having once been the most powerful woman in the world at the time, she felt she could not live with such disgrace and starved herself to death. Julia Maesa, however, decided to organize a revolt and have her grandson Bassianus, also known as Elagabalus made emperor. Accordingly, Macrinus and his troops were defeated by the Syrian legions that supported Julia Maesa. Gibbon also tells us that when it looked like her troops were about to be defeated, Julia Maesa leapt from her chariot in the midst of the battle and encouraged her troops to victory by her bravery. Macrinus might still have won, but he panicked and fled. He and his son Diadumenian were later put to death. Macrinus attempted to disguise himself as an Imperial messenger and flee across Asia Minor. He was attempting to reach Rome, w he might gain some support amongst the Senatorial class. He might have made it, except he attempted to send to the procurator of Bithynia for money. He was arrested by a centurion and sent in disgrace back to Antioch. Macrinus attempted to jump from the chariot in which he was riding but received a broken arm for his trouble. It was decided that he should be tried and convicted of treason before he even reached Antioch and he was executed on the road back. He had been emperor for a little over a year. As we mark our 10th year anniversary on eBay we would like to show our gratitude to all of our customers by offering FREE SHIPPING for the next 6 months. Thank you again for your long standing support and repeat business. We appreciate and rely on your positive feedback rating as well as a positive star rating on all services. Tfore we ask that you contact us with any problems rather than leaving a less than positive rating or star count on services so that we may correct any problems. In order for us to adopt this service as standard policy, we must strive to maintain an above average rating on our customer satisfaction. Tfore all purchases must be paid in 7 days of the closing date of the auction or from the invoice date as well as leaving a positive feedback with high customer rating satisfactory. Ancient Auction... read more

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