As - Augustus NONIVS SVLPICIVS IIVIR QVINQ, Pella

Historical Context: This bronze As, struck in Pella in 26 BC, marks the early reign of Augustus, who had formally received his honorific title just a year prior. Issued by local magistrates, NONIVS SVLPICIVS, holding the IIVIR QVINQ (duumvir quinquennalis) title, it highlights Roman provincial administration in Macedonia. Pella, a historically significant city, served as a vital administrative center under Roman rule. This coinage offers crucial insight into local governance and economic activity during the nascent Roman Empire, reflecting Augustus's consolidation of power across the provinces.

Artistry: The obverse features a laureate portrait of Augustus, rendered in a style characteristic of early Augustan provincial portraiture. While the specific engraver remains anonymous, the design adheres to the classicizing ideals propagated by the imperial court, depicting Augustus with an idealized, youthful visage. The reverse typically presents the names and titles of the issuing magistrates, NONIVS SVLPICIVS IIVIR QVINQ, often within a wreath, a common motif signifying civic honor and authority. This blend of imperial iconography and local administrative detail reflects provincial mints' role in disseminating imperial propaganda.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 11.71 grams and measuring 25 mm, this bronze As exhibits typical characteristics of provincial issues. High-points for wear on the obverse include the hair over the forehead, the ear, and the tip of the nose. On the reverse, the lettering and the central elements of the wreath are most susceptible to attrition. Provincial bronze coinage often displays variability in strike quality, including occasional off-center strikes, minor flan irregularities, and less precise detailing compared to imperial issues. Collectors should also consider the common presence of surface corrosion inherent to bronze alloys.