CILICIA. Mallus. Herennius Etruscus, as Caesar, 249-251. Hexassarion (Bronze, 31 mm, 17.78 g, 7 h). HEREN ETRVSC MES DECIVM CAESS (sic!) Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Herennius Etruscus to right. Rev. MALLO COLONIA The city-goddess seated left on rocks, holding grain ears in her right hand; to left and right, vexilla inscribed S and C; at her feet, two river gods swimming in opposite directions. RPC IX 1434. SNG Levante 1295. Red deposits, otherwise, very fine.
The elevation of Mallus to a colonia under Severus Alexander was probably connected to a Roman offensive against the Sassanids in 232, as it was an important supply base for the army. The S C on two vexilla on the reverse of this coin commemorates this important event and likely also refers to the settlement of veterans in the city.