★ Alexander 'the Great' shield decoration ★

CAPPADOCIA. Caesaraea-Eusebia. Elagabalus, 218-222. Triassarion (Bronze, 27 mm, 9.35 g, 12 h), RY 5 = 221/2. AY K M AYPHΛ[Ι ANTⲰNЄINOC CЄ] Laureate bust of Elagabalus to left, heroically nude and seen from behind, holding spear in his right hand and shield decorated with head of Alexander the Great (?) on his left shoulder. Rev. ΜΗΤΡΟΠO ΚΑΙϹΑΡΙ Agalma of Mount Argaeus set on altar inscribed ЄT Є; above, star. Ganschow 714k . RPC VI online 6723. Sydenham, Caesarea, Suppl. 527d. Very rare. Somewhat smoothed and with traces of corrosion, otherwise, about very fine.

From a European collection, formed before 2005.

The bust on the emperor's shield undoubtedly depicts his namesake, Alexander 'the Great'. The distinctive profile, with its forward-thrust head and characteristic anastolé hairstyle, unmistakably identifies him. It closely mirrors contemporary portrayals of the great Macedonian king found on pseudo-autonomous bronzes of the Macedonian Koinon.