Sale: CNG 66, Lot: 1195. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 19 May 2004.  Sold For $1400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CILICIA, Tarsus. Severus Alexander. 222-235 AD. Æ 38mm (26.48 gm). Laureate and cuirassed bust left, holding spear over shoulder, shield on left arm decorated with Athena seated left tossing pebble into vase, river-god Cyndus reclining behind / Statue of Apollo Lyceius holding wolves by forelegs within distyle temple with Nike on peak, wreath in pediment; Nike standing before holding cilicarch crown overhead decorated with A-M-K and three imperial heads. SNG Levante -; SNG Levante Suppl. 275 (this coin); SNG France -; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Fitzwilliam 5333 (same dies). VF, dark brown patina, holed and plugged above Alexander's head. Very rare and interesting. ($500)

Ex Lanz 54 (12 November 1990), lot 801.

According to P. Weiss, the unique decoration on the shield refers to the Koinoboulion in Tarsus and reflects the city's bitter rivalry with Anazarbus at the time.