Egypt. Alexandria. Augustus (Octavian), 27 BC – 14 AD. 80 Drachm. (Bronze, 25.96 mm, 17.76 g). First series struck circa 30-27 BC. Bare head right, [ΘEO] Y [YIOY] to either side. Rev. KAICAPOC AYTOKPATOP[OC] Eagle standing left on thunderbolt; double cornucopia before and Π behind. Dattari 2. Geissen 1. BMC 1/2. RPC I 5001. Emmett 1. Brown patina with some light scratches but better than usual for this normally crude issue. Near Very Fine. Ex CNG, Auction 47, Mail Bid Sale, 16.09.1998, lot 997. Ex Joel L. Malter Auction XLV, 28-29 May 1991, lot 261. This bronze coin belongs to the first series minted by Augustus between 30 and 27 BC in the Alexandria mint after the conquest of Egypt and the death of Cleopatra VII in 30 BC. As can be seen in comparison with no. 189 in the collection, the portrait of the new ruler fully repeats the form and nominal value of the last coins issued by Cleopatra. The style of the Augustan portrait is distinctive and quite realistic, serious but serene. Historically important specimen as the progenitor of the glorious autonomous Alexandrian imperial coinage. With this issue Augustus inaugurates the ‘republican monarchy’ of the Julio-Claudian dynasty in Egypt.