Owner Comments:
This coin is among several in this collection that can be referred to as a “plate coin,” meaning that it is the exact coin featured in a plate, or illustration, in an ancient coin reference book. In this case, the book is an important resource regarding coinage of Roman Antioch, the origin of this ancient bronze. Having one's very own coin featured in such a fashion, besides the obvious confirmation of attribution and authenticity, also provides a certain thrill and satisfaction.
In addition to being a plate coin, this bronze AE20, categorized by its size (20 mm diameter) rather than name (we don’t know what ancient Roman provincials actually would have called it), is also quite rare. It is difficult to know for certain, but likely only a handful of similar coins remain (and this particular example may be among the finest known, warranting a star designation from NGC Ancients). Moreover, this coin could be referred to “double-headed” since it bears a portrait on both sides of the flan, relatively non-conventional for ancient coinage.
One side bears the laureate and cuirassed bust of Macrinus, Augustus of the Roman Empire from 217-218 AD. Formerly a Praetorian Guard under Emperor Caracalla, Macrinus ascended the throne after facilitating his boss’ murder by a disgruntled soldier, marking the (temporary) end of the Severan dynasty. A political outsider – the first Augustus ever hailing from the equestrian, rather than senatorial class - Macrinus enacted sweeping changes, and, as a result, grew increasingly unpopular. The situation turned even more precarious when Julia Maesa announced to the Syrian legions that her grandson Elagabalus was Caracalla’s rightful heir, rather than Macrinus.
In an attempt to improve his plummeting popularity, Macrinus declared a Caesar, none other than his nine-year-old son Diadumenian, whose bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust appears on this coin’s other side. Shortly thereafter, Diadumenian was elevated to co-Augustus. As reflected by the inscription encircling the his bust on this coin, Diadumenian took on the new cognomen of Antoninus, claiming family connections to the Antonini imperial clan (previously, Caracalla employed the same strategy).
In an even further attempt to impress the Syrian troops, Macrinus promised to boost the troops’ pay and provide a substantial donativa. Perhaps this coin was part of the intended bribe, a desperate attempt to spread the word of Diadumenian’s appointment to the local population. Such efforts proved too little and too late, and the situation inevitably led to confrontation between troops favoring return to the days of Caracalla versus those loyal to his replacement. In the end, Macrinus was abandoned by his supporters, and captured and slain by enemies. Soon thereafter, Diadumenian followed in his father’s footsteps.
Coin Details: SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria, Antioch, Diadumenian with Macrinus, 217-218 AD, Æ (20mm, 5.52 g, 12h), NGC Grade: Ch VF *, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Laureate head of Macrinus, seen from back, facing right, AV K M O C MAKPINOC C, Reverse: Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Diadumenian, seen from front, facing right, S C at sides, KAI M O DIA ANTWNINOC, References: McAlee 738/2 (this coin illustrated); ex Spradling Collection.