Marcus Opellius Macrinus became praetorian prefect under Caracalla. In AD 217, having instigated the murder of Caracalla, Macrinus succeeded him and added the name Severus to his own - thus proclaiming a connection with the Severan house. Macrinus was unpopular with the army and he did not have much success campaigning. Eventually his troops deserted him in favour of Elagabalus. Macrinus was defeated and slain in AD 218.

Coin portraits of Macrinus show a more restrained technique to portraiture of the previous era. Initially Macrinus is depicted with a short military hairstyle, a furrowed brow (similar to Caracalla) and aquiline nose. Later he is depicted with a longer curly beard and a face showing signs of ageing, evoking portraiture of Marcus Aurelius.

Obv. Macrinus, laureate right. IMP. C. M. OPEL. SEV. MACRINVS AVG.
Rev. Salus seated, feeding a serpent rising from an altar. Legend SALVS PUBLICA.