★ Retrograde reverse legend ★

PHRYGIA. Cotiaeum. Valerian I, 253-260. AE (Bronze, 25 mm, 7.53 g, 6 h), P. Ailios Demetrios, archon and hipparchos. AYT K Π ΛIK OYAΛEPIANON Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Valerian I to left, holding spear and shield decorated with gorgoneion. Rev. EΠI Π AIΛ ΔHMHTPIANOY ΙΠΠI \\ AP-X // KOTIAEΩ/N Kybele riding on lion to right, holding tympanon in her left hand. BMC 92. Very rare and unusual. Harshly cleaned, otherwise, very fine.

From the collection of G. Plankenhorn (with collector's ticket), ex Naumann E-Auction 89, 3 May 2020, 274.

Stylistically, this is a fine reverse die, yet the artist curiously cut the circular reverse legend (but not the city name!) in retrograde script in error.