Cistophorus - Augustus AVGVSTVS

The cistophoric tetradrachm was a regional currency of western Asia Minor long before Rome absorbed the kingdom of Pergamon, and Augustus revived the series deliberately — these were not coins minted for Rome but for the Greek-speaking cities of the province of Asia, where the cistophorus had circulated for over two centuries. Striking them acknowledged local monetary tradition while firmly anchoring the new regime's authority over the wealthiest province in the empire.

RIC I 488 dates to the very first years of the Augustan settlement, when Octavian had only just accepted the title Augustus in January 27 BC.