After the defeat of Perseus by the Romans in 168 BC the monarchy was abolished, and Macedonia was divided into four administrative districts, the 'merides' (portions). Minting rights, which had initially been abrogated except for certain Roman issues, were first granted to the 'merides'. Two of these minted silver, and one bronze coins. The last silver coins bearing the words "of the Macedonian People" were struck in the first quarter of the 1st century BC.
In the years of the Roman Principate the issue of gold and silver coins was the exclusive right of Rome. Bronze coins were struck in the province of Macedonia by the Roman colonies, by cities and the Macedonian 'koinon' (confederation).
The Roman colonies founded in Macedonia issued coins with Latin inscriptions and depictions combining elements of local history with Roman subjects. The cities struck bronze coins with Greek inscriptions; their obverse generally bore the portrait of the emperor and the reverse a variety of subjects with the name of the city inscribed. The Macedonian 'koinon' issued bronze coins with Greek inscriptions and decorated with the portrait of the emperor and various other subjects.
Coin production ceased definitively in Macedonia under Gallienus (253-268 AD).
See Also