Description: Lucius Verus (161 - 169 AD). AE Sestertius, Rome mint 163-164 AD. L AVREL VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS; laureate head right / TR P IIII IMP II COS II; Mars standing right, holding spear and shield set on ground; S-C across fields

Diameter: AE31 mm

Weight: 19,78 g

Grade: aVF/gF

Attribution: RIC 1384; MIR 18, 87-16/30; BMCRE 1115 note (Aurelius)

Commentary: scarcer with Mars standing; light brown patina with some light patches

History: The war with Parthia, which Verus finally won, involves a bizarre snake cult founder Alexander of Abonutichus who managed to convince the governor of Cappadocia that he alone could defeat the Parthians - as a result the whole legion was annihilated just beyond the border.

Article Number: 008-02-02-45047