Lot 60: CILICIA. Tarsus. Herennia Etruscilla, wife of Trajan Decius. Augusta, 249-251 AD. Æ 32mm.

CILICIA. Tarsus. Herennia Etruscilla, wife of Trajan Decius. Augusta, 249-251 AD. Æ 32mm (16.69 g). Diademed and draped bust right, crescent at shoulders / Dionysos standing facing, head turned right, holding kantharos in right hand, thyrsos in left; panther at feet left. SNG Levante 1666 var.; SNG France 1774 (same dies, early obverse state - see below). VF, dark gray patina with earthen highlights. Scarce issue.

An interesting obverse die that started its life with the obverse legend ANNIAN AITPOVCKILLAN CE (see Levante 1170 or France 1774). At some point, the obverse legend was changed. A small EP was added below the bust and the first A was changed to an E, making the new obverse legend EPENNIAN AITPOVCKILLAN CE. At the same time, the portrait was changed slightly with the bun of hair at the back of the neck almost erased completely. Examination of the position of the lettering proves that the obverse dies are the same, despite the different obverse legends.

• Offered By: VAuctions
• Lot #: 60
• Listing #: 223076
• Closed: Thursday, July 30, 2009 6:58:00 PM CT
• Estimate: $300