297.  MACEDON.  Under  Roman Rule.  Aesillas. Circa  70 BC.  AR Tetradrachm
(16.44 gm).  CÆ. PR.  MA[KEÆON]½N, diademed head  of Alexander; Q  behind /
Money chest, club and  chair; all within wreath. Fisher, ANSMN 30, Issue I.
Toned, good VF, old mark on cheek. Rare issue. ($750)

This rare coin is the first issue of the Quaestor Aesillas, whose coinage
was massive in later years. It names the praetor Caesar, who has been
identified with L. Julius Caesar, governor (praetor) of Macedon in the late
90’s BC. A man of the same name was praetor of Macedon in 67 BC. Thus the
dating of the series is far from certain; however the traditional dating of
circa 94-88 BC is supported by evidence of Athenian overstrikes.
Nevertheless, arguments have also been made for dates from the mid-80’s
through the early 60’s BC. In any case, this is the inaugural issue.


CNG Mail bid sale #58, 18 Sept 2001, lot 297.
 
Lot was unsold.
Used by permission of CNG, www.historicalcoins.com