The Roman Empire
Octavian, as Augustus 27 BC – 14 AD
Cistophoric tetradrachm, Pergamum circa 27-26 BC, AR 12.08 g. IMP CAESAR Bare head l.; before, lituus . Rev. AVGV – STVS Six bunched corn ears. C 32. RIC 490. BMC 700 var. CBN 953. RPC 2209. Sutherland group IIIg obv. O5/R rev. –.
Rare and in unusually fine condition for the issue. Wonderful
old cabinet tone and extremely fine
Ex M&M 8, 1949, 886; Sternberg XVIII, 1986, 406; NFA XXVI, 1991, 205 and Triton XI, 2008, Richard Prideaux, 676 sales.

While this is the most common of the cistophori types of Augustus, this piece is almost mint state with full wheat ear detail throughout other than the slightest weakness in the right ear. Pergamum was known to have produced the more realistic portrait styles (versus Ephesus, the other city to strike these issues). This portrait is terrific. Really a nice example for the series. MSG.