Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Macrinus 168

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Macrinus 168. Denomination: Dupondius. Authority: Macrinus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Macrinus, radiate, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP CAES M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG.

The reverse shows aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand, with the legend AEQVITAS AVG S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Macrinus reigned as Roman emperor from April 217 to June 218, following the murder of Caracalla. Proclaimed in the eastern provinces and confirmed by the Senate, he became the first emperor from the equestrian class and never visited Rome during his rule. Facing an empty treasury and external conflicts, he sought to restore economic stability before military unrest led to his overthrow and subsequent execution in 218.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this bronze dupondius formed part of the Roman monetary system, where a dupondius was traditionally valued at two asses. The obverse presents the emperor with a radiate crown, a feature introduced under Nero to distinguish the denomination from the similarly sized as. The reverse features Aequitas holding scales and a cornucopiae, accompanied by the inscription AEQVITAS AVG S C.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Dupondius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Macrinus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Macrinus, radiate, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP CAES M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG
Reverse legend
AEQVITAS AVG S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Macrinus 168
Denomination and metal
Dupondius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
AEQVITAS AVG S C
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference