Extremely Rare Diadumenian as Augustus

Sale: CNG 82, Lot: 838. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 16 September 2009.  Sold For $1350. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SYRIA, Cyrrhestica. Hierapolis. Diadumenian. AD 218. AR Tetradrachm (12.69 g, 12h). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Eagle standing facing, head and tail right, with wings displayed, holding wreath in beak; between legs, lion advancing right. Prieur 946. VF, light overall porosity. Extremely rare issue as Augustus.

In response to Elagabalus being declared Augustus by the soldiers at Emesa on 15 May AD 218, Macrinus elevated his son Diadumenian to Augustus shortly thereafter at Apamea, while on his way to meet the rebellion. Diadumenian did not remain Augustus for long. Following his defeat on 8 June AD 218, Macrinus entrusted Diadumenian to some loyal soldiers, who were to transport the boy to refuge with the Parthians. Near Zeugma, however, Diadumenian was captured and executed shortly thereafter.