Provincial bronze issue of Macrinus (AD 217–218), struck at Nicopolis ad Istrum in Moesia Inferior, represents a characteristic product of this city’s mint, notable for consistently recording the names of local officials responsible for coin production an important feature for the study of provincial administration.
The obverse shows a laureate head of the emperor facing right, with the Greek legend AYT K M OΠEΛ CEVHPOC MAKPINOC, giving his full titulature as autokrator and augustus. The style of the portrait and legend corresponds to issues from his brief reign, well identified within the Balkan provincial series.
The reverse depicts Hera standing left, holding a patera and sceptre, accompanied by a peacock, with the legend VΠ CTATIOV ΛONΓINOV NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC IC. Hera, consort of Zeus, embodies authority, order, and protection of the community, while the peacock serves as her distinctive attribute.
A key element of this issue is the formula VΠ CTATIOV ΛONΓINOV, referring directly to the magistrate (Statius Longinus) under whose authority the coin was struck. Such explicit references are well documented at Nicopolis ad Istrum and provide valuable evidence for the organization of local minting.
Founded by Trajan after the Dacian Wars, Nicopolis ad Istrum developed into a major administrative and economic center in the region. Coinage of Macrinus from this mint forms a relatively limited series due to the brevity of his reign, which contributes to its scarcity in the numismatic record.
Roman Provincial
Moesia Inferior, Nikopolis, Macrinus (217–218), AE
Obverse: laureate head right
AYT K M OΠEΛ CEVHPOC MAKPINOC
Reverse: Hera standing left, holding patera and sceptre, peacock at her feet
VΠ CTATIOV ΛONΓINOV NIKOΠOΛITΩN ΠPOC IC
Diameter 26 mm, weight 11.25 g
