Roman Republic (Ancient, pre-41 BC)
L. Aemilius Lepidus Paullus. Silver Denarius (3.94 g), 62 BC. Rome. PAVLLVS LEPIDVS behind and above, CONCORDIA before, diademed and veiled head of Concordia right. Reverse: TER above, PAVLLVS in exergue, the consul, L. Aemilius Paullus, togate, on right standing left, erecting trophy; to left, the Macedonian king, Perseus, and his two sons standing right. Crawford 415/1; Sydenham 926; Aemilia 10. Traces of luster, lightly toned. NGC grade Ch XF; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Estimated Value $250
The Hellenistic state of Macedonia ended along with the Third Macedonian War in 168 BC when the moneyer's ancestor and namesake, the consul Lucius Aemilius Paullus, defeated King Perseus of Macedonia at Pydna. Prior to Aemilius Paullus' arrival, only Perseus' persistent lack of military intelligence prevented a total rout of the Roman legions as the prior consuls were inept and totally unworthy of the task. Aemilius Paullus, however, was an experienced commander, having seen service in the Hanniballic Wars. After Macedonia's defeat, Paullus conquered Epirus, laying waste numerous towns and taking as many as 150,000 prisoners to supply Rome's slave markets. For his magnificent conquests the Senate awarded him the title Macedonicus along with a splendid triumph.
Ex The William Oldknow Collection.