Ancient Gold

Lot 1988       Ancient Gold

Estimate $12,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $11,700

LUCIUS VERUS, (A.D. 161-169), gold aureus, Rome mint, issued A.D. 8 July - 9 December 164, (7.30 grams), obv. bare head of Lucius Verus to right with dotted border, around L VERVS AVG ARMENIACVS, rev. around TR P IIII IMP II COS II, REX ARMENDAT in exergue in two lines, Lucius Verus in military attire seated to left in curule chair on platform, flanked by two officers, king Sohaemus of Armenia standing om ground before platform, raising right hand to head, dotted border, (S.-, RIC 512, BMC 300, MIR 92, C.158). Uncirculated, as struck with full original mint bloom, and extremely rare in this condition.

This rare and attractive type, derived from the 'Rex Parthis datus' of Trajan's coinage, depicts the ceremonial investiture of the Roman nominee for the Armenian throne. In reality, it is unlikely that Verus was actually present on this occasion, as he spent most of his time enjoying the pleasures of Antioch whilst his generals achieved the victories in the field.