Macrinus. AE 27

Macrinus; 217-218 AD, Nicopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior, Marcus Claudius Agrippa, AE 27, 11.66g. Pick-1719. Obv: AY K OΠΠEΛ CEOY-HPOC MAKΡINOC, Laureate head r. Rx: ΥΠ AΓΡIΠA (sic) [NIKOΠOΛI]-TΩN ΠΡOC / [IC]TPΩ, Semi-circular building with two stories of colonnaded porticos and colonnaded forecourt before body of water. Leu identifies this as a nymphaeum on their specimen (Web 34, 1243, diff. obv): "Nymphaea are monumental fountain structures dedicated to the nymphs - particularly spring nymphs. They served both cultic and decorative functions. Their appearance on coins is rare and of considerable architectural and historical significance. The present piece depicts the Nymphaeum of Nicopolis, evidently a semicircular structure with two tiers of colonnaded porticos, which was undoubtedly adorned with statues and must have been highly decorative." Ex Curtis L. Clay Collection; Ex Freeman & Sear E5, July 2004, pt. 81.. F / aEF