This tetradrachm bears the portrait of Diadumenian, the young son of the emperor Macrinus. His brief political career occurred during one of the more turbulent episodes of the early third century.

Macrinus had served as praetorian prefect under Caracalla before being proclaimed emperor following Caracalla's assassination in April AD 217. He was the first Roman emperor to ascend the throne without previously belonging to the senatorial order. Seeking to establish a new dynasty, Macrinus elevated his young son Diadumenian to the rank of Caesar shortly after assuming power.

Despite these efforts, Macrinus faced growing opposition, particularly among the eastern legions. In May AD 218, troops of Legio III Gallica proclaimed the fourteen-year-old Elagabalus emperor, claiming that he was the illegitimate son of Caracalla and therefore a legitimate continuation of the Severan dynasty.

As the rebellion spread, Macrinus attempted to strengthen his family's claim to power by advancing Diadumenian to the rank of Augustus. However, this effort came too late. Following Macrinus' defeat near Antioch in June AD 218, both father and son attempted to flee. Diadumenian, sent to seek refuge at the Parthian court, was captured and executed at Zeugma. Macrinus was captured separately and subsequently executed in Cappadocia.