Macedonia, Philip III

Trajan Decius 249-251 AD, Antiochia, Pisidia, AE 33, 29.20g. SNG Paris-1767 (same dies), SNG Levante-1165 (same dies), BM-304, pl. XXXVII. 10. (Rev. Only, same die). Obv: Α V KE Γ ΜΕC KOV ΔΕΚΙ[ΟC T]PAIANOC EV EVCEB Bust radiate, draped, cuirassed r., Π across field. Rx: TAPCOVMHT[PO]ΠΟΛΕΩC around, A / MK in upper field, Γ – B in exergue, Perseus standing l. holding harp in l. arm and extending patera over alter with r. hand; behind the alter, a warrior standing l. holding spear and shield; below the alter, slain bull; at l., Demeter walking r., raising two torches towards a tall column surmounted by a statuette of Apollo Lykeios holding two wolves. Acquired at Ank(ara), c. 1960. The reverse type may represent “the foundation sacrifice of the city” of Tarsus (SNG Levante 1087). The same type; but with the addition of a second figure behind the alter, was also struck for Severus Alexander and Gordian III at Tarsus, SNG Levante 1087 and 1119. Very rare; Decius’ type was probably struck from just this one reverse die.