MOESIA INFERIOR, Istrus. Septimius Severus. 193-211 AD. Æ 30mm (15.02 gm).
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P, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind /
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TR I H N WN, bearded god riding right on horseback; bird (raven) atop torch behind. AMNG I, 492; SNG Copenhagen -. Good VF, dark brown patina. Rare.
The reverse presents a paradox. The polos atop the head of the bearded figure clearly indicates this is a god; the dress that of an eastern god.Though no definitive attribution has been made, the bird (raven) and torch argue for Mithras. This god, however, is traditionally depicted as a beardless young man, nor upon a horse; these attributes reflect more Persian influence.