Coin Information: Tantalus S/N 32663

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Coin type:	Roman Imperial
Entered by:	rasiel   (Seller rating: 5.0 out of 5, based on 15 buyer responses)
Added on:	Oct 13, 2008
Ruler:	Macrinus (Augustus)
Coin:	AR Denarius IMPCMOPELSEVMACRINVSAVG - Laureate, draped bust right FIDESMILITVM - Fides standing left, stepping on helmet, holding a standard in each hand
Mint:	Rome (217-218)
Wt./Size/Axis:	2.84g / - / -
References:	RIC 66 C 23
Acquisition/Sale:	10/24/08
For Sale:	This coin is for sale. ($250.00) About this seller
Notes:	Oct 13, 08 - Caracalla, a tyrant in the truest sense of the word, had even his closest aides all stressed out. While on the one hand he made them rich the unstable emperor was ruthlessly quick on executing anyone he had even the slightest whiff of suspicion for. Macrinus, his treasurer, is advised by an associate who has burst into this office out of breath. "Sir, bad news!", he says, "Our emperor has sought the advice of an oracle. The oracle has said you will be the next emperor!" Bad news indeed; for what do you suppose Caracalla would do to test the truthfulness of this prophecy? Macrinus knew he was a dead man unless he could strike a pre-emptive blow. He consulted with his closest friends and selected a soldier from Caracalla's body guard, somehow convincing him to commit was was very likely a kamikaze attack on the emperor. As Caracalla's train neared Rome, or wherever he was headed, he took a minute to stop and visit a convenient outhouse on the side of the road. With his pants down, the pointman unsheathed a dagger and stuck it in Caracalla. Seconds later a hail of arrows killed him in turn but Caracalla's own wound was fatal. Immediately afterwards Macrinus put into motion phase two of his plan and approached the still-shocked commanders to nominate him next; a deal likely sealed with lots of Denarii like this one changing hands. And that's how Macrinus became emperor, therefore quite ironically fulfilling the oracle's prophecy! This is my third coin of his and the first to show the older "philosopher" bust as opposed to the middle ager one. Since his reign lasted all of a year and a few months it's obvious he wanted to emulate the look of Marcus Aurelius, Pertinax and Severus who were all still fresh in Romans' memories.
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