CNG 88, Lot: 985. Estimate $2000. Sold for $2750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CILICIA, Mopsouestia-Mopsus. Valerian I. AD 253-260. Æ (34mm, 19.20 g, 12h). Dated CY 323 (AD 255/6). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / River-god Pyramus, holding cornucopia, reclining left on river bridge consisting of five arches; ΔΩΡЄΑ in spans, triumphal arches at either end; ЄT Γ/KT (date) in upper field. SNG France 2998; SNG Levante 1359. EF, dark brown patina, minor roughness.

The Greek word δωρεά (gift) indicates that the bridge was the result of imperial munificence. It is quite possible that, as the city was situated on a major route eastward into Commagene and Cyrrhestica, and consequently the Persian frontier, the bridge was constructed to ensure rapid deployment of Roman troops to the East.