CNG 100, Lot: 1737. Estimate $500. Sold for $320. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CILICIA, Tarsus. Elagabalus. AD 218-222. Æ (24mm, 6.07 g, 6h). Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Ciliarch crown decorated with seven imperial portraits, ЄΛ, and KOIN monogram; A/MK in center of crown. Cf. SNG France 1557 (similar type with five heads on crown); cf. SNG Levante 1079 (same); SNG Copenhagen 374 corr. (obv. legend). EF, attractive green patina with a dusting of earthen deposits. Choice.

From the R.H. Collection. Ex Garth R. Drewry Collection (Triton VIII, 11 January 2005), lot 784.

The crown is that of the Ciliarch or Cilicarch, the High Priest of Cilicia who presided over provincial temples dedicated to certain emperors. The different busts that decorate this crown represent the various emperors who were honored with temples throughout the region.

Levante expanded the ЄΛ and KOIN monogram to ЄΛЄVΘЄPON KOINOBOVΛION (“free session of the assembly”).