ROMAN. MACEDON (Roman Province). Aesillas. Quaestor, circa 95-70 BC. Silver Tetradrachm (16.50g). Uncertain mint. Head of the deified Alexander the Great right / Money chest, club and chair within wreath. AMNG III/2, 9.7; Bauslaugh, ANS NS 22, 39.11/57f (this specimen). A very attractive old cabinet collection toning, obverse slightly off centre, otherwise excellent style for the series and struck in high relief. aEF. This tetradrachm was struck in Macedonia in the name of Aesillas the Quaestor around 95-70 BC, at a moment when Roman power was taking firm hold in the region. Although it carries Latin titles and Roman symbols of office such as the curule chair and sceptre, it follows the familiar Hellenistic tetradrachm format to ensure acceptance among a Greek-speaking populace. As such it stands as a clear illustration of Rome's early administrative presence in the East, blending imperial authority with a measured respect for Macedonian tradition. (P)

Estimate: AUD 1000