MESOPOTAMIA. Hatra. Pseudo-autonomous issue, early-mid-2nd century AD. AE (Bronze, 25 mm, 12.68 g, 12 h). HTR' DŠMŠ (in Aramaic) Radiate and draped bust of the sun god Shamash to right. Rev. Large S C upside down; above, eagle standing right with wings spread and head to left; all within laurel wreath. Slocum Series 1. SNG Copenhagen 232. Walker Type A. Well struck and with an unusually complete obverse legend. Repatinated and slightly rough, otherwise, very fine.



The small principality of Hatra was located west of the Tigris. It was ruled by its own king from the mid-2nd century AD and was so heavily fortified that neither Trajan nor Septimius Severus was able to conquer it during their otherwise successful Parthian campaigns. These Roman defeats may be reflected in the unique local coinage, which imitates coins from Roman Antioch. However, unlike the examples from the great Syrian metropolis, the eagle on the Hatra imitations consistently stands on an upside-down S C. This depiction may have been intended to undermine the Roman Empire, whose feared legions were repelled by the resilient caravan city.

The obverse of the coins shows the ancient Mesopotamian sun god Shamash, which is also referenced by the exceptionally complete legend on our piece: HTR' DŠMŠ (Hatra d-Shamash) is a genitive construction and literally means 'Hatra of Shamash'. In this way, the city aligns itself with the sun god, who acts as its protector.