The coins of Colonia Patricia are a fascinating, tangible artefact of the expansion of the Roman Empire, illustrating exactly how the Romans went about extending their power. Located in Baetica, one of Rome’s three Spanish provinces, the colony was established in 46BC. In 45BC, it was destroyed by Julius Caesar during the Civil Wars, in revenge for supporting his enemy, Pompey. Years later, after yet more civil conflict, Augustus had thousands of soldiers to settle, and chose Colonia Patricia as one of the locations. Augustus visited the settlement in 15 or 14BC, and it became a centre of Roman intellectual life, with a forum and several temples.

A lasting reminder of one of the largest empires in history, this eye-catching Bronz As bears the portrait of Augustus on the obverse, with ‘Colonia Patricia’ encircled by an oak wreath on the reverse. In Very Fine quality, and distinguished by a lovely green patina, the Augustus 27BC-14AD Patricia Bronze As will make a fine addition to any collection.