Tetradrachm of Aesillas as Quaestor in Macedonia, Thessalonike 90 BCE - 70 BCE

Editor: This is a Tetradrachm of Aesillas, made in Thessalonike. It's incredible to think that something so small could hold so much history. What stories do you think this coin whispers? Curator: Ah, the silent narratives within! It's more than just currency; it's a pocket-sized propaganda piece, a tangible link to a bygone era. Do you see the laurel wreath? Symbolism, perhaps, indicating military victory and status. Editor: Yes, I see that. It's interesting that it doesn't have a date, but it has the artist's name. Does that mean the artist was trying to show off? Curator: More like claiming responsibility, I think! Or perhaps Aesillas, the quaestor, wanted his name remembered. Ultimately, these coins are little mirrors reflecting power, ambition, and the enduring human desire for legacy. Editor: So, it’s like a really old, really tiny billboard! I never thought about coins that way before. Thanks!