MESOPOTAMIA. Rhasaena. Caracalla, 198-217. AE (Bronze, 17 mm, 4.05 g, 12 h). AYTOK[...] Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Caracalla to right, set on eagle flying to right. Rev. Legionary eagle between two vexillum inscribed LEG III. Cf. Castelin 11 (differing bust type). BMC -. RPC V.3 online -. Cf. Sol Numismatik 11 (2023), 223 (differing bust type). Apparently unpublished. Light scratches, otherwise, very fine.
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. The present coin was issued in Rhasaena, no doubt under the auspices of the third Parthica. Its reverse shows a legionary eagle between two vexillum inscribed with the legion's number.