© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Æ21 Macedon under Roman rule 168 BC - 166 BC
| Bronze | 10 g | 24 mm |
| Issuer | Roman provinces (Rome) |
|---|---|
| Period | Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 168 BC - 166 BC |
| Currency | Denarius (49 BC to AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 10 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#366625 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Inscription in three lines within wreath.
Script: Greek
Lettering:
MAKEDONΩN
TAMIOΥ LEΥKIOΥ
ΦOLKINNIOΥ
Comment
Magistrate: Lucius Fulcinius (Quaestor)This bronze type was only struck under two magistrates: Lucius Fulcinnius and Gaius Publilius, who are only mentioned on coins. Therefore, the exact dating of these coins is uncertain. They are commonly dated after 148/146 BC. However, according to Pierre MacKay, "Bronze Coinage in Macedonia, 168-166 BC", ANSMN 14, 1968, they should actually be dated in 168-167 BC, between the victory of Lucius Aemilius Paulus over King Perseus of Macedon in 168 BC and his return to Rome in 167 BC.
According to MacKay, Gaius Publilius was the quaestor who followed General Paulus into Macedon and struck the initial series of coins until the spring of 167 BC, when Fulcinnius replaced him. The second series was struck until the winter of 167 BC when Paulus returned to Rome to celebrate his triumph. When Rome split Macedon into four autonomous client republics shortly after, MacKay argues that it was likely decided that these coins with Roma on the reverse were simply too strong a symbol of Roman dominance and they were therefore overstruck with a new type bearing the image of Silenus on the obverse and "MAKEDONON" on the reverse. This explains why many of the Silenus types are overstrikes, only known over the Roma/Wreath base types.
Interesting fact
The Æ21 coin from Macedon under Roman rule (168 BC - 166 BC) was part of a series of coins issued by the Roman Republic to commemorate their military victories. The coin features the image of a Roman soldier on one side and a depiction of the goddess Victory on the other. This coin was circulated in the Roman provinces, including Macedon, and was made of bronze, which was a common material for coins at that time. Despite its age, many of these coins have survived to this day and are highly sought after by collectors and historians.
