Augustus Cistophorus Replica | Hand-Struck Silver Coin

Why collectors buy this piece

• Inspired by an Augustus cistophorus struck at Pergamum in 27–26 BC
• Represents the important Asian provincial silver denomination also known as the cistophoric tetradrachm or “triple denarius”
• Features a clean early portrait of Augustus on the obverse
• Reverse shows a bundle of six wheat ears, an unusual and highly recognizable design
• Strong appeal for collectors interested in Augustus, provincial Roman silver, and denominations beyond the standard denarius
• Illustrates the transition from the older Pergamene cistophorus tradition to imperial portrait coinage under Rome
• Faithfully reproduced using traditional hand-struck methods in silver
• Each coin is intentionally irregular — like ancient originals

Best suited for collectors interested in Augustus, the Roman province of Asia, unusual Roman silver denominations, and the evolution of imperial portrait coinage.

Overview & Craftsmanship

This Augustus cistophorus is a hand-struck silver replica inspired by the cistophoric silver coinage struck at Pergamum in 27–26 BC. The original belongs to the important monetary tradition of Roman Asia, where the cistophorus continued as a large silver denomination long after the end of the Attalid Kingdom.

The obverse shows the bare head of Augustus facing right with the legend IMP CAESAR. The reverse features a bundle of six wheat ears with the legend AVGV-STVS, a distinctive design that gives the type strong visual character.

Each piece is individually struck by hand rather than cast, preserving the irregular flan, varied relief, and surface character associated with ancient silver coinage. Unlike machine-pressed copies, hand-struck replicas retain the depth, individuality, and visual texture that collectors expect from historically inspired reproductions.

Historical & Numismatic Background

• The cistophorus began as a silver denomination of Pergamum and the wider kingdom of the Attalids, struck on a reduced Asian standard of roughly three grams per drachm.
• Its name comes from the cista mystica, the sacred basket associated with Dionysiac imagery, which commonly appeared on earlier issues of the denomination.
• After the kingdom of Pergamum was bequeathed to Rome in 133 BC, Roman authorities continued striking cistophori for the province of Asia.
• Under Roman administration, the cistophorus circulated at a value of approximately three denarii, which is why it is often described as a “triple denarius.”
• By the age of Augustus, the denomination had evolved from its Hellenistic origins: traditional local imagery could be replaced by imperial portraiture, making the cistophorus an important bridge between regional Greek coin traditions and Roman imperial coinage.
• This type, struck at Pergamum in 27–26 BC, belongs to Augustus’ early monetary issues and reflects the consolidation of Roman imperial authority in the Greek East.
• The reverse bundle of six wheat ears gives the coin a distinctive agricultural and provincial identity, setting it apart from more familiar imperial silver types.
• For collectors, this issue is especially attractive because it combines Augustan portraiture with a denomination and format rarely represented in standard Roman coin collections.

Numismatic References:

This replica is inspired by ancient issues documented in standard numismatic references, including:

– RIC I 494

– BMCRE 699

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Augustus cistophorus replica

Denomination represented: Cistophorus (cistophoric tetradrachm / triple denarius)

Authority / Mint: Augustus, Pergamum mint

Era represented: 27-26 BC

Material: Sterling silver (AR)

Weight: approx. 11-12 g

Dimensions: approx. 25-27 mm

Manufacturing method: Hand-struck (hammered)

Obverse: Bare head of Augustus right
Legend:
IMP CAESAR

Reverse: Bundle of six wheat ears
Legend:
AVGV-STVS

Due to the traditional hand-striking process, variations in weight, diameter, strike, centering, and surface are expected.

Intended Use

Suitable for:

– collectors of ancient and historical coinage

– academic or educational reference

– museum or exhibition display

– historically accurate reenactment

– high-quality numismatic gifts

Replica Disclaimer

This item is a hand-struck replica inspired by ancient coinage. It is not an original ancient coin.

Explore related Augustus and cistophorus pages:

• See the Augustus Sphinx cistophorus replica
• Browse Roman cistophorus replicas
• Learn what a cistophorus was and why it was called a “triple denarius”