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Description:
Diadumenian AE274 Assaria, Nikopolis ad IstrumMagistrate Statius Longinus AD 218OBV: bare-headed draped bust rightLegend: K M OPPEL ANTWNI DIADOUMENIAN-OSRev: Demeter stands left, holds corn ears and long torchLegend: VP STATIOV LON-GINOV NIKOPOLITW / N P-R/ OS ISTRW / NMoushmov 1316, Varbanov 3772
Diameter measures at apprx 27mm and is about 2.7mm thick. Weighs about 12.19 grams with some minor scratches present and minor mineral deposits evident with crude like edges.
Info:Diadumenian (full name: Marcus Opellius Antoninus Diadumenianus) was the son of Macrinus, the first Roman emperor who rose from the equestrian class rather than the senatorial elite. Born around AD 208, Diadumenian became heir to the throne when his father seized power following the assassination of Caracalla in AD 217. To strengthen the legitimacy of the new dynasty, Macrinus granted his young son the titles of Caesar and later Augustus, presenting him as the future of the empire despite his youth and lack of political experience.
Diadumenian\'s brief prominence occurred during a period of instability and military unrest. Macrinus struggled to maintain the loyalty of the eastern legions after ending Caracalla\'s costly wars and attempting to restore fiscal discipline. In AD 218, supporters of Elagabalus, a teenage relative of the Severan dynasty, launched a revolt in the province of Syria. The decisive confrontation came at the Battle of Antioch, where Macrinus\'s forces were defeated. As the political situation collapsed, Diadumenian\'s status as co-emperor offered little protection against the rapidly shifting loyalties of the Roman army.
After the defeat, Macrinus attempted to send Diadumenian eastward toward safety, possibly seeking refuge among allied rulers beyond Rome\'s frontier. The effort failed, and the young emperor was captured before he could escape. He was executed in AD 218 at approximately ten years of age, ending one of the shortest imperial careers in Roman history. Although his reign lasted only a few weeks as Augustus, Diadumenian left behind a surprisingly diverse coinage struck across the empire, making his coins popular among collectors today. His story reflects the volatility of the third-century Roman Empire, where imperial succession often depended more on military support than dynastic claims.
Disclaimer:My late father was a deeply passionate numismatic throughout his life. He carefully built and treasured his coin collection over many years, and each piece was an important part of his interests and legacy. While all of his possessions hold great sentimental value to me, I do not share his enthusiasm for coins. After careful consideration, I believe these coins, which carry both historical significance and intrinsic value, would be better appreciated by someone who truly values their worth and beauty, rather than being stored away in my closet for none to see! Each coin listed here is from his private collection.
Although I am not a numismatic expert, my father was, and his expertise guided the careful selection of each coin. Therefore, each coin is assumed authentic based on his knowledge and curation. The coins are sold \"as-is\", in the condition in which they were kept, and the buyer assumes full responsibility for verifying their authenticity. I hope they bring you the same joy they once brought him.
