MACRINUS
AD 217-218
AE17. 3.47g, 17.5mm
MINTED: MOESIA INFERIOR, Nicopolis ad Istrum, circa AD 217-218.
REF: Varbanov 3318 (R4); Hristova-Hoeft-Jekov (2018) 8.23.20.17
OBVERSE: AVT K M OΠEΛΛI CEVH MAKPINOC, laureate bust right.
REVERSE: NIKOPOΛITΩN ΠPOC IC, Staff of Asklepios entwined by serpent.

Grade/Notes:
About Fine. Smooth, dark green patina.
A scarce type.  The serpent-entwined staff was an ancient symbol of Asklepios, the god of healing and medicine. 

Historical Notes:
Following his victory over King Decebalus in the Dacian Wars (AD 101-106), Emperor Trajan reorganised the region and founded several cities, including Nicopolis, which was situated by the river Iatrus. Nicopolis flourished as a major trade centre throughout the 2nd century, though by the mid 3rd century, the region began to be increasingly subject to invasions by the barbarian tribes. The city was destroyed in AD 447 by the soldiers of Attila the Hun.