Patras held the distinction of being Rome's oldest and most important colonial foundation in Achaea, established by Augustus around 14 BC and settled with veterans of the Legio X Equestris and others. Its colonial status — reflected directly in the COL AA PATR legend — gave the city the right to strike bronze coinage on the Roman model, a privilege not automatically extended to Greek cities under imperial administration. Provincial bronze of this type circulated locally as small change while the imperial silver supply remained thin in the region.
Patras held the distinction of being Rome's oldest and most important colonial foundation in Achaea, established by Augustus around 14 BC and settled with veterans of the Legio X Equestris and others. Its colonial status — reflected directly in the COL AA PATR legend — gave the city the right to strike bronze coinage on the Roman model, a privilege not automatically extended to Greek cities under imperial administration. Provincial bronze of this type circulated locally as small change while the imperial silver supply remained thin in the region.