224, Lot: 480. Estimate $75. Sold for $82. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MESOPOTAMIA, Carrhae. Gordian III. AD 238-244. Æ 28 (17.31 g, 5h). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Turreted, veiled, and draped bust of Tyche left; star above; before, male figure on pedestal standing right, holding water- or wine-skin over shoulder. BMC 57; SNG Copenhagen 187; SNG Hunterian -. Good Fine, brown patina, surfaces a bit rough.

From the J.S. Wagner Collection.

Depending on the contents being carried, the figure on the pedestal could be interpreted either as Aquarius or Marsyas. The former would fit nicely with the numerous astrological references found on the coinage of the region.