320, Lot: 300. Estimate $100. Sold for $60. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CILICIA, Aegeae. Severus Alexander. AD 222-235. Æ (27mm, 11.11 g, 7h). Dated CY 277 (AD 230/1). Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right; eagle-tipped staff of Asclepius before / Galley right. SNG France –; SNG Levante 1769 (same dies). Fine, brown patina. Rare.

From the Simon Shipp Collection.

This and related types seemingly depict the emperor as a priest of Asclepius, wearing a sacerdotal diadem and accompanied by the god’s serpent–entwined staff. The issues may have been struck in association with Severus Alexander’s rededication of the temple of Asclepius at Aegeae.