Augustus Sphinx Cistophorus Replica | Hand-Struck Silver Coin

Why collectors buy this piece

• Inspired by an Augustus cistophorus issued in Roman Asia soon after 27 BC
• Features the Sphinx, an emblem ancient literary sources associate directly with Augustus’ early personal signet
• Represents the important cistophoric tetradrachm denomination, valued at roughly three denarii under Roman administration
• Combines an early portrait of Augustus with one of the most distinctive symbolic reverses of his eastern silver coinage
• Strong appeal for collectors interested in Augustus, Roman Asia, imperial symbolism, and unusual Roman silver denominations
• Provides a contrasting companion type to the Augustus wheat-ear cistophorus struck at Pergamum
• Faithfully reproduced using traditional hand-struck methods in silver
• Each coin is intentionally irregular — like ancient originals

Best suited for collectors interested in Augustus, cistophoric silver coinage, Roman Asia, and the Sphinx as one of the most personal symbols associated with the future first emperor.

Overview & Craftsmanship

This Augustus Sphinx cistophorus is a hand-struck sterling silver replica inspired by the large silver cistophori issued in Roman Asia soon after 27 BC. The obverse presents the bare head of Augustus facing right with the legend IMP CAESAR, while the reverse shows a Sphinx seated right beneath the legend AVGVSTVS.

The original type belongs to the cistophoric monetary tradition inherited from the Hellenistic kingdom of Pergamum and continued under Roman administration. By the reign of Augustus, the denomination had been transformed into a vehicle for imperial portraiture and political symbolism.

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 expected from historically inspired reproductions.

Historical & Numismatic Background

• The cistophorus originated as a major silver denomination of Pergamum and the wider Attalid kingdom, struck on a reduced Asian standard and later continued under Roman administration.
• After the kingdom of Pergamum passed to Rome in 133 BC, cistophori remained an important regional silver currency in the province of Asia.
• Under Roman rule, the denomination circulated at approximately the value of three denarii, leading to the modern description “triple denarius” alongside the traditional term cistophoric tetradrachm.
• This Sphinx type was issued soon after Augustus received his new name and constitutional position in 27 BC, during the formative years of the Principate.
• Ancient literary sources record that Octavian used a Sphinx engraved on his personal signet during the civil-war period. Pliny the Elder relates that two nearly identical Sphinx signets had belonged to his mother and that one was used by Augustus’ advisers to seal official correspondence in his absence.
• The Sphinx therefore carried a particularly personal association with Augustus rather than functioning merely as a generic mythological image.
• Pliny further records that Augustus later abandoned the Sphinx signet in favor of an image of Alexander the Great, making the Sphinx especially characteristic of the earlier phase of his public career.
• In Greek tradition, the Sphinx could represent mystery, danger, and destructive power, while Egyptian traditions gave the creature associations with royal authority and protection. Whether every layer of this symbolism was consciously intended on the coin cannot be proven, but the image was clearly meaningful enough to Augustus to serve as his personal seal.
• For collectors, the type combines Augustan portraiture, Roman provincial silver, personal imperial symbolism, and the survival of an important Hellenistic denomination under Roman rule.

Numismatic References:

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

– RIC I 527

– RPC I 2204

– Cohen 31

– BMCRE 702

– CBN 927

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Augustus Sphinx cistophorus replica

Denomination represented: Cistophorus (cistophoric tetradrachm / triple denarius)

Mint: Uncertain cistophoric mint in Roman Asia

Era represented: Soon after 27 BC

Material: Sterling silver (AR)

Weight: approx. 11-13 g

Dimensions: approx. 25-27 mm

Manufacturing method: Hand-struck (hammered)

Obverse: Bare head of Augustus right
Legend:
IMP CAESAR

Reverse: Sphinx seated right on ground line
Legend:
AVGVSTVS

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 wheat-ear cistophorus replica
• Browse Roman cistophorus replicas
• Learn what a cistophorus was and why it was called a “triple denarius”