Augustus, aureus, heifer, Io, Ionia
This paper reviews the traditional interpretations of the identity and significance of the heifer depicted on a series of aurei struck at an unidentified eastern mint sometime after 27BC. It concludes that the heifer is probably identifiable as Io in punning reference to Ionia, and that these coins were struck in Ionia during one of the emperor Augustus’ stays there in c.20BC.