CILICIA. Tarsus. Severus Alexander, 222-235. Hexassarion (Bronze, 37 mm, 20.55 g, 1 h). ΑΥ Κ Μ Α ϹЄΟΥ ΑΛЄΞΑΝΔΡΟϹ ϹЄΒ / Π - Π Bust of Severus Alexander to right, wearing crown and garment of the demiourgos; on neck, countermark. Rev. ΔωΡΕΑ ΑΛΕΧΑΝΔΡΟΥ•ΤΑ•ΜΗ / Α / Μ / Κ / Γ - Β Galley under sail to left; below, two dolphins holding wreath of the demiourgos together. RPC online VI 7091. SNG Levante 1089. SNG Paris 1577-8. An attractive example of this interesting issue. Very fine.


Alexander Severus visited Tarsos in 231 while on his way to fight the Persians, who had recently overrun the Eastern provinces under their new ruler, Ardashir I. The presence of the army must have formed a heavy burden for the city, but the emperor stepped in by providing grain at his own expense. The city duly honored him by making him a demiourgos, a city official responsible for the grain supply, and celebrated his munificence with a series of coins, such as the present example.