MESOPOTAMIA. Edessa (?). Lucius Verus, 161-169. Drachm (Silver, 17 mm, 3.26 g, 12 h), 167-169. AYT K Λ AYP OYHPOC CЄB Bare head of Lucius Verus to right. Rev. YΠЄP NIKHC TΩN KYPIΩN Bonus Eventus standing front, head to right, holding plate of fruit in her left hand and two grain ears in her right. BMC -. RPC IV.3 online -. Unpublished and unique. In exceptional condition for the issue and an important addition to this interesting series. 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 rulers', meaning Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus