Gordian III CILICIA, Tarsus. . AD 238-244. Æ 38mm, Medallion .Roman Empire

Description

CILICIA, Tarsus. Gordian III.
AD 238-244. Æ (38mm, 18.39 g, 7h). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / Double Ciliarch crowns set on prize table: the inner crown consisting of a diadem decorated with seven imperial busts right and joined to the outer crown by columns; the outer crown also consisting of a diadem decorated with seven imperial busts right; two Nikai flanking uppermost bust. SNG BN 1651 (same dies); RPC VII.2 Online 3044; SNG Levante 1135 (same obv. die). Dark brown patina.
The Ciliarch or Cilicarch was the name for the High Priest of Cilicia who presided over provincial temples dedicated to certain emperors. The different busts which decorate the crown represent the various emperors who were honored at each respective temple.