194, Lot: 143. Estimate $150. Sold for $460. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CILICIA, Tarsus. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ 37mm (26.61 g, 12h). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Perseus, holding phiale and harpa, and Demeter (or priestess?) holding lighted torch in each hand, flanking garlanded altar with bull lying left before; behind altar, upper portion of two figures (statues of Tranquillina and Gordian?), that on the right holding round shield; further in background, column surmounted by cult statue of Apollo Lykeios. SNG France 1644; SNG Levante 1119 (same dies). Fine, dark brown and black patina, porous surfaces. Perhaps damaged in a fire.

An ambitious and enigmatic reverse design, likely referring to the foundation sacrifice of Tarsus. Similar types are found on coins of Severus Alexander and Trajan Decius.