Macrinus aureus makes $ 288k

AV aureus. NGC Choice AU ★ 5/5 - 5/5, Fine Style. Rome, AD 218. $ 288k

Roman emperor Macrinus reigned for about a year, from 217 to 218, before falling victim to assassination, a fate that befell many of his peers. One of three known gold aureus coins of the type for Macrinus was a highlight of a recent Heritage auction. At the same sale a Diadumenian aureus made $ 336k

Diadumenian, as Caesar (AD 217-218). AV aureus. NGC Choice AU ★ 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style. Rome, AD 218. $ 336k

After Caracalla’s murder, Macrinus proclaimed himself emperor without awaiting confirmation from the Senate in Rome. This and reigning in soldiers’ pay made him very unpopular. The veteran soldiers revolted. Marcus Opellius Diadumenian, ten-year-old son of emperor Macrinus (AD 217-218), was granted the rank of Caesar soon after his father had succeeded the murdered Caracalla. Coinage in his name was struck in all denominations, though his gold is extremely rare.