Lucius Verus, 161-169. As (Copper, 27 mm, 11.12 g, 6 h), Rome, 163-164. •L VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS Laureate head of Lucius Verus to rght. Rev. TR P IIII•IMP II COS II / S - C / ARMEN Armenia seated left beside a pile of arms; behind her, in the background, a trophy. BMC 1139. Cohen 10. RIC 1365. Minor surface roughness, otherwise, very fine.



This issue’s reverse refers to the Parthian campaigns of Lucius Verus, during which his generals - most notably Avidius Cassius - repelled a series of Parthian attacks before launching an offensive. In 163, the Roman general Marcus Statius Priscus invaded Armenia and captured its capital, Artaxata. This victory prompted Lucius Verus to assume the title Armeniacus and to issue coins depicting a defeated Armenia in mourning.