Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Macrinus 189

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Macrinus 189. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Macrinus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Macrinus, laureate, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP CAES M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG.

The reverse shows jupiter, nude with cloak over both arms, standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and sceptre in left hand; on left, small figure of Macrinus, standing, with the legend IOVI CONSERVATORI 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 served as a praetorian prefect under Emperor Caracalla before conspiring in his murder and succeeding him as ruler. Proclaimed emperor in April 217 in the eastern provinces and confirmed by the Senate, he reigned jointly with his son Diadumenianus until June 218. Although this bronze sestertius was minted in Rome, Macrinus never visited the imperial capital during his rule, eventually dying after his defeat near Antioch.

During the Roman Empire, the sestertius functioned as a large coin, originally named for an assessment of two and a half asses and equivalent to one quarter of a denarius. The obverse depicts the emperor with the legend IMP CAES M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG. The reverse design features Jupiter holding a thunderbolt and sceptre alongside a small standing figure of Macrinus, accompanied by the inscription IOVI CONSERVATORI S C.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Macrinus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Macrinus, laureate, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Jupiter, nude with cloak over both arms, standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and sceptre in left hand; on left, small figure of Macrinus, standing
Obverse legend
IMP CAES M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG
Reverse legend
IOVI CONSERVATORI S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Macrinus 189
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES M OPEL SEV MACRINVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
IOVI CONSERVATORI 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