A scarcer antoninianus of Macrinus, whose reign lasted little more than a year. Macrinus came to power in AD 217 following the assassination of Caracalla. He was the first Roman emperor of equestrian origin to attain supreme power without previously having held senatorial rank. From the outset, however, his position remained precarious, particularly because of discontent within the army and the continuing influence of the Severan dynasty.
The reverse legend SECVRITAS TEMPORVM, “Security of the Times”, presents Securitas as the personification of stability, tranquillity and the continued safety of the Roman state under the new emperor. The message was particularly significant following Caracalla’s violent death and amid ongoing military difficulties on the eastern frontier. The type sought to reassure its audience that the change of ruler had not disturbed the security and established order of the Empire.
The optimistic message of the reverse stands in striking contrast to Macrinus’ subsequent fate. In AD 218, Elagabalus, supported by the Severan faction, was proclaimed emperor. Macrinus was defeated near Antioch and subsequently captured and executed, bringing his brief reign to an end.
Prominent flan crack extending through the portrait and reverse.
Roman Imperial
Macrinus (217-218), Antoninianus 217, Rome mint
Obverse: radiate and draped bust right
IMP C M OPEL SAV MACRINVS AVG
Reverse: Securitas standing left, holding sceptre
SECVRITAS TEMPORVM
Diameter mm, weight g
