164 AD., Marcus Aurelius, commemorating the victory in Armenia in 163, Rome mint, Sestertius, RIC 890 var.

Marcus Aurelius, commemorating the victory over Armenia in 163 AD., Rome mint, struck 164 AD.,
Sestertius (ø 31-33 mm / 29,45 g), probably brass, axes about medal alignment ↑↑ (ca. 350°),
Obv.: M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG - ARMENI[ACVS] P M , his laureate bust facing r.
Rev.: VICT AVG TR P XVIII - IMP II COS III / S - C ,Victory standing right, holding trophy in both hands; at feet to right, bound Armenian captive seated right.
RIC III 890 var. (signum and shield on the rev.) ; MIR 18, 95-6/30 corr. (Victory advancing right; no captive) ; BMC 1092 ; Coh. 984 ; Banti 486 .

The great Eastern War of AD 161-166 was sparked by events in Armenia, the buffer between the Roman Empire and Parthia. After initial defeat the co-Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus raised a massive expeditionary force and sent it east under Verus' supposed command. In reality the army was commanded by the skilled general Avidius Cassius. After many months of preparations, the Romans re-entered Armenia in 163, captured the capital of Artaxata and installed Sohaemus, a Roman citizen and Senator, on the throne. The Senate voted both Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius the title of Armeniacus, conqueror of Armenia.