Æ20 - Augustus ΓΑΙΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ

Struck at Tralles in the conventus of Ephesus during the period when Gaius Caesar — Augustus's grandson and designated heir — was being actively promoted across the eastern provinces as the next generation of Julio-Claudian rule. The city had a long habit of flattering Rome's ruling family; it had earlier honored Mark Antony and would continue issuing civic bronzes well into the imperial period. This issue falls within a cluster of eastern municipal coinages that effectively served Augustus's succession messaging without any direction from Rome being required.