Aemilian. AE 27

Aemilian; 253 AD, Aegeae, Cilicia, AE 27, 12.07g. SNG Levante-1788 (same dies), RPC-IX, 1461 (this coin). Obv: ΑΥΤ ΑΙΜΙΛΙΟ-Ϲ ΑΙΜΙΛΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕ, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rx: ΑΙΓ[ΕΑΙΩ]Ν-Ν-ΕΩΚΟ, ΝΑΥ/ΑΡΧ/ΙϹ, ΘϘϹ, Hero standing l. before gate with towers, holding transverse spear and phiale over bull. Because of the similarity with coins of Tyre, this type is described as Kadmos in front of the fortress of Thebes. However, since there is no relation between Aigeai and Kadmos/Thebes, this interpretation is doubtful, and the type here might rather allude to the foundation of Aigeai. If correct, the figure then represents Alexander the Great, or, with less probability, Perseus. Ex Curtis L. Clay Collection; Ex CNG MBS 57, March 2001, lot 826.. VF