★ Unpublished and unique ★

MESOPOTAMIA. Edessa (?). Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Drachm (Silver, 17 mm, 2.66 g, 11 h), 167-169. AY K M AYPH ANTΩNINOC Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius to right. Rev. YΠЄP NIKHC TΩN KYPIΩN Ceres (?) standing front, head to left, holding grain ears in her right hand and long scepter in her left. BMC -. RPC IV.3 online -. Unpublished and unique. Somewhat rough, otherwise, about very fine.

The enigmatic silver coinage struck in Mesopotamia under Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus was likely issued by Ma'nu VIII Philoromaios, King of Osrhoene (Edessa) in 139-163 and 167-179, as evidenced by stylistic comparisons between the 'anonymous' drachms and those naming the king on the reverse (see below, lot 1161). Whether this was done in Edessa or in a branch mint - perhaps in Carrhae - is unclear. The reverse legend on this example translates as 'for the victory of the rulers', meaning Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus.