CNG 90, Lot: 1062. Estimate $300. Sold for $700. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PHRYGIA, Otrus. Caracalla. AD 198-217. Æ (31mm, 14.68 g, 1h). Mesandros, asiarch. Laureate and cuirassed bust right, slight drapery / Apollo standing facing, head left, holding plectrum and kithara. Von Aulock, Phrygiens 790 (citing only one specimen, in the Boston MFA; same dies); SNG München -; SNG von Aulock -; BMC -. Good VF, attractive green patina.

From Group CEM.

This obverse die was also used to strike coins for Bruzus, an equally rare city (see Kraft pl. 82, 48a-b). The reverse indicates that the asiarch (or “ruler of Asia”, a highly distinguished office during the Roman period) had the issue struck at his own expense.