PHRYGIA. Diocleia. Elagabalus, 218-222. Tetrassarion (Bronze, 30 mm, 16.06 g, 12 h). Μ ΑΥΡ ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟϹ ΑΥΓ Laureate and cuirassed bust of Elagabalus to right, cuirass decorated with gorgoneion. Rev. ΔΙΟΚΛЄΑΝΩΝ ΜΟΞЄΑΝΩΝ Zeus seated left, holding phiale in his right hand and long scepter in his left. RPC VI online 30231 (this coin). Apparently unique. Struck from a slightly worn obverse die, otherwise, about very fine.


The Moxeanoi mentioned on the reverse of this interesting issue were a local tribe living around Diocleia and Eiocharax. It has been suggested that the name is connected to the Armenian province Mokkc (or Mokkh or Moks), situated south of Lake Van, perhaps indicating a movement of settlers westwards to Phrygia, but this is uncertain (see von Aulock, Phrygien I, p. 52). For two other coins mentioning this tribe, see lots 1996-1997 below.