★ C. Atinius C.f. Praetor ★

IONIA.Ephesos. C. Atinius C.f., Praetor. Cistophoric Tetradrachm (AR, 30 mm, 12.19 g), dated CY 13 (122/1 BC).

Cista mystica with half-open lid from which a serpent issues to the left; ivy wreath with fruits around / Two serpents coiled around a bow case; ΙΓ (date) above ΕΦΕ in the left field; torch in the right field; kerykeion between serpents' heads; C AT – IN – C F below.
Kleiner, Ephesus 19. Very rare! Minor pitting. Good very fine.

The earliest cistophoric tetradrachm bearing the name of a Roman magistrate. C. Atinius Labeo was praetor and is known for trying to have the censor Q. Caecilius Metellus Macedonicus thrown off the Tarpeian Rock for expelling him from the Senate (Livy, Per. LIX.10).