MACRIANUS. 260-261 AD. Antoninianus (3.72 gm). Antioch mint. IMP C FVL MACRIANVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust right / SPES PVBLICA, Spes walking left, holding flower and raising hem of skirt. RIC V 13; MIR 1743b; RSC 13. Good VF. $195.
With the capture of Valerian by the Persians in 260 AD, the Eastern legions were in disorder. To contend with the victorious Persians and to prevent them from over-running the Eastern provinces after Valerian's capture in 260, the legions elevated to the throne the sons of one of Valerian's generals, Macrianus and Quietus. The Roman legions then rallied and were able to defeat the Persian army at Corcyra, forcing the Persian king to retreat to the Euphrates. After securing the situation in the East and leaving Quietus in charge, Macrianus and his father marched into Europe to challenge Gallienus. During the ensuing battle, they were utterly defeated and slain by Gallienus' general Aureolus in 261. Shortly thereafter, Quietus was captured and killed at Emesa by the king of Palmyra, Odenathus.
