149, Lot: 200. Estimate $150. Sold for $151. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MOESIA INFERIOR, Tomis. Maximinus I. AD 235-238. Æ 25mm (10.28 g). Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / [MH]TRO PON/TOU TWME/WC, man (emperor?) in cart left drawn by ox and led by woman who holds trophy over shoulder; D above. Varbanov 5483; Mouchmov 2178. VF, green patina.

From the Garth R. Drewry Collection.

This puzzling reverse scene first appears on coins of Tomis under Commodus and continues through the reign of Philip I. It is not apparent who the man in the ox cart is supposed to represent, and the the figure leading the cart varies, sometimes female, sometimes male, and carrying different attributes. If it is meant to be a mythological scene, the reference is unclear. If it is an imperial procession, the meaning of the ceremony is likewise unclear.