CILICIA. Elaiussa-Sebaste. Gordian III, 238-244. Hexassarion (Bronze, 34 mm, 14.44 g, 7 h). MAPK•ANTΩNI•ΓOPΔIANOC Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III to right, seen from behind. Rev. CЄBACTH IЄPAC NAYAP/XIC Eagle standing right, wings spread and head to left, holding aphlaston in beak. SNG Levante 852 (this coin). SNG Paris -. SNG PFPS -. SNG von Aulock -. Of the highest rarity, perhaps unique. Boldly struck on a full flan and with a very interesting reverse. Good very fine.


Elaiussa-Sebaste lay on a small island near the Cilician coast, with which it is connected today due to silting. The reverse of this coin praises the city as the 'holy mistress of the fleet', an epithet that refers to its harbor being used as a naval base - perhaps to fight piracy, which was a constant menace on the rough Cilician coast throughout antiquity.