REX ARMENIIS DATVS

308, Lot: 332. Estimate $200. Sold for $360. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Antoninus Pius. AD 138-161. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 29.65 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck circa AD 141-143. Laureate head right / REX · ARMENIIS DA[TVS], Antoninus Pius standing left, crowning Sohemo to left; S C in exergue. RIC III 619; Banti 322. Good Fine, light brown patina, rough surfaces.

With Armenia continuing to act as a buffer for Rome from the Parthian empire, the installation of a new client-king was an important event celebrated on the reverse of this type. As it occurred during the third consulship of Antoninus Pius (AD 140-144), the new Armenian king represented here must be Sohemo (first reign, circa AD 140/44-161).