Trajanus- Sestertius Parthamaspates rare and interesting (ME2173)

TRAJAN (98-117). Sestertius. Rome.

Obv: IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC PARTHICO P M TR P COS VI P P.

Laureate and draped bust right.

Rev: REX PARTHIS DATVS / S C.

Trajan seated left on platform, presenting Parthamaspates to kneeling Parthian; attendant standing to right of Trajan.

Woytek 594v-2; RIC 667.

Condition: about fine.

Weight: 22.25 g.

Diameter: 34 mm.

Parthian interference in Armenia prompted Trajan to declare war against their king, Osroes I, in AD 114. He quickly re-established Roman control of Armenia, forced the submission of Osrhoene, and in 116 took Mesopotamia by defeating Osroes I. Rather than pursuing the Parthians into Iran, Trajan set up a pro-Roman Parthian "buffer state" in Mesopotamia under a puppet-king appointed by Trajan, Parthamaspates. This event that is commemorated on this issue.