MESOPOTAMIA. Edessa (?). Marcus Aurelius, 161-180. Drachm (Silver, 18 mm, 2.56 g, 12 h), 167-169. ΑYΤ [Κ Μ ΑYΡΗΛΙΟϹ] ΑΝΤΩΝΙΝΟϹ Laureate head of Marcus Aurelius to right. Rev. YΠЄP NIKHC PΩMAIΩN Two clapsed right hands holding kerykeion and two grain ears. RPC IV.3 online -, cf. 9288 (longer obverse legend, differing bust type and differing reverse legend). Unpublished and unique. A very interesting coin struck in unusually fine silver. Areas of weakness and the obverse struck somewhat, otherwise, good 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. It is unclear whether this was done in Edessa or in a branch mint, perhaps in Carrhae. The reverse legend on this example translates as 'for the victory of the Romans'