★ Unpublished and with a very interesting reverse ★

MESOPOTAMIA. Edessa (?). Faustina Junior, Augusta, 147-175. Drachm (Silver, 16 mm, 2.88 g, 12 h), 167-169. ΦAYϹΤΙΝΑ ϹЄΒΑϹΤΗ Diademed and draped bust of Faustina Junior to right. Rev. YΠЄP NIKHC TΩN KYPIΩN Uncertain female figure, turreted, seated left, holding Nike in her right hand and long scepter in her left; to left, lit altar; behind to right, cornucopiae. BMC -. RPC IV.3 online -. Unpublished and with a very interesting reverse. Somewhat rough, otherwise, 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 above, 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.