Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 510 23 Feb 2022
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Lucius Verus. AD 161-169. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 23.90 g, 11h). Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, AD 164. Laureate and cuirassed bust right / REX ARMEN/DAT in two lines in exergue, Lucius Verus seated left on curule chair set on low platform, left hand on parazonium at side, extending right hand to place diadem on head of King Sohaemus, who stands left in front of platform and raises his hand to adjust diadem; in background on platform, on left, Prefect of the Praetorium standing right, holding spear, and, on right, two officers standing left. RIC III 1371 (Aurelius); MIR 18, 92-16/35; Banti 98 var. (Prefect standing left). Rough brown surfaces, some corrosion, cleaning/smoothing scratches. Fine.
The reverse records the re-installation of Gaius Julius Sohaemus as king of Armenia. Sohaemus, a member of the royal household of the Syrian caravan city of Emesa, was originally crowned as king by Antoninus Pius in AD 144, an event also recorded on that emperor's coins. In AD 161, the Parthians invaded Armenia and drove him into exile. An offensive led by Verus cleared out the Parthians and re-established the pro-Roman regime of Sohaemus, who is seen here receiving his crown.
The reverse records the re-installation of Gaius Julius Sohaemus as king of Armenia. Sohaemus, a member of the royal household of the Syrian caravan city of Emesa, was originally crowned as king by Antoninus Pius in AD 144, an event also recorded on that emperor's coins. In AD 161, the Parthians invaded Armenia and drove him into exile. An offensive led by Verus cleared out the Parthians and re-established the pro-Roman regime of Sohaemus, who is seen here receiving his crown.