MESOPOTAMIA. Rhasaena. Severus Alexander, 222-235. Assarion (Bronze, 17 mm, 3.23 g, 12 h). [...] ΑΛЄΞΑИΔΡΟ Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Severus Alexander to right, seen from behind.
Rev. A PHCAINA / Δ Sagittarius advancing right, holding bow; before, standard inscribed LEG / III. BMC 9 = Castellin 17. CNG E-Auction 523 (2022), 374. RPC VI online 7929. Of the highest rarity, the third and by far the finest known example, and the only one with the ethnic and name of the legion clearly visible. Some deposits and the obverse struck somewhat off center
, otherwise, very fine.
Privately acquired from C. J. Martin and from a British collection, formed before 2005.
Legio I, II and III Parthicae were created as elite units by Septimius Severus in 197 for his campaign against the Parthians. After the conclusion of the war, the three legions were strategically deployed by the emperor in different fashions: Legio II moved to Castra Albana near Rome, becoming the first legion to be garrisoned in Italy, its presence threatening anyone thinking about challenging Severan authority in the capital. Legio I and III, on the other hand, remained in Mesopotamia, being stationed at Singara and Rhasaena, respectively, bolstering the Roman defences against any future Parthian incursions.
Interestingly, all three legions had centaurs as their emblems. The present coin was issued in Rhasaena, no doubt under the auspices of the third Parthica. Its reverse shows the legion's emblem, a centaur, before a vexillum inscribed with the legion's number. It is only the third known example, and the first to carry legible legends on the reverse, making it extremely important.
