Lucius Verus, 161-169. Aureus (Gold, 20 mm, 7.19 g, 6 h), Rome, 166. L VERVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Lucius Verus to right, seen from behind. Rev. PAX AVG TR P VI COS II Pax standing front, head to left, holding cornucopiae in her left hand and olive-branch in her right. BMC 421 note. Calicó 2140. Cohen 130 var. (differing bust type). RIC 559. Well struck in high relief. Good very fine.


This issue commemorates Verus' victorious ending of the Parthian campaign, during which the Roman army even sacked the enemy's capital Ktesiphon in 165. The Roman military success was, however, greatly diminished by the Antonine plague, which was brought back by troops returning from the east and which would greatly harm the empire over the next fifteen years.