ROMAN PROVINCIAL
MACRINUS
AD 217–218 • Edessa, Mesopotamia
TETRADRACHM • BILLON 
Bust of Emperor Macrinus
Reference portrait of Emperor Macrinus (for context). See listing photos for the coin itself.
HIGHLIGHT
Short-Reign Emperor
Ruler for roughly fourteen months, a dramatic chapter of the Severan era.
REVERSE TYPE
Eagle with Wreath
Eagle standing facing, wings spread; shrine with pediment between legs.
GRADE
CH VF
With die shift

Description

Silvered billon tetradrachm struck at Edessa, Mesopotamia, during the reign of Emperor Macrinus (AD 217–218). The obverse presents a laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind. The reverse features an eagle standing facing, wings spread, head right, wreath in beak, with a small shrine with pediment between the legs.

Noted reference: Prieur 863. 

Quick Specs

RulerMacrinus (Marcus Opellius Severus Macrinus)
Denomination / MetalTetradrachm / Billon (silvered)
Mint & DateEdessa, Mesopotamia • AD 217–218
ObverseLaureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind
ReverseEagle standing facing, wings spread; head right; wreath in beak; shrine with pediment between legs
ReferencePrieur 863
GradeCh VF, NGC. Die shift 

Historical Context

Macrinus ruled from April 217 to June 218 AD. Rising from the equestrian order to the purple, he is notable as the first emperor not drawn from the senatorial elite. Previously serving as Praetorian Prefect under Caracalla, he was proclaimed emperor after Caracalla’s death. His short reign focused on tightening imperial finances and easing military pressures in the East, but policy shifts upset the legions. The struggle culminated in defeat at the Battle of Antioch in 218, after which his supporters fell to those promoting Elagabalus.