★ YΠЄP NIKHC TΩN KYPIΩN CЄ ('for the victory of the Augusti') ★

MESOPOTAMIA. Uncertain. Lucius Verus, 161-169. Drachm (Silver, 17 mm, 2.99 g, 9 h). AYT K Λ AYP OYHPOC CЄB Bare head of Lucius Verus to right. Rev. YΠЄP NIKHC TΩN KYPIΩN CЄ Two clapsed right hands holding kerykeion and two grain ears. BMC -. RPC IV.3 online -, cf. 9288 (a unique drachm of Marcus Aurelius with a similar reverse). SNG Copenhagen -. Unpublished and unique, a very interesting issue. Good very fine.

The very rare eastern drachms in the names of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus were struck in an uncertain Mesopotamian mint, perhaps Edessa or Carrhae. They are closely connected to Verus' Parthian campaign and the coinage of Ma'nu VIII Philoromaios of Edessa and celebrate the imperial victories (YΠЄP NIKHC TΩN KYPIΩN CЄ literally translates as 'for the victory of the Augusti').