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Home ▸ Catalog ▸ |Roman Coins| ▸ |Crisis & Decline| ▸ |Philip I||View Options:   | | | Marcus Julius Verus Philippus, known as Philip I "The Arab" was the Praetorian Prefect and the successor to Gordian III, whom he possibly had murdered. After signing a treaty with the Persians, he returned home. During his reign, the 1000th anniversary of the foundation of Rome (248 A.D.) was celebrated and magnificent games were held on a scale rarely seen. In 249 A.D., a series of rebellions occurred, both Philip and his son were killed after their army was defeated near Verona by the forces of Trajan Decius. |
This type is dated to the reign of Philip I based on this coin's reverse die which is shared with a coin of Otacilia Severa. The Π on the reverse abbreviates ΠYΘIAN, referring to the Pythian games, which were, after the Olympian, the greatest in importance of the four chief Hellenic festivals. The X abbreviates XPYΣANΘINA, referring to games held near Hierapolis on the banks Chrysoroas river. RP114890. Bronze AE 24, RPC Online VIII U63168 (15 spec., this coin cited), Franke-Nollé 872, SNG Tüb 4050, Weber 7122, Johnston Hierapolis -, SNG Cop -, VF, near centered on a tight flan, weight 5.931 g, maximum diameter 24.0 mm, die axis 180o, Phrygia, Hierapolis (near Pamukkale, Turkey) mint, pseudo-autonomous, c. 244 - 249 A.D.; obverse IEPA CY-NKΛHTO-C, draped bust of the senate right; reverse IEPAΠOΛEITΩN K CAPΔIANΩN NEΩKOPΩN OMONOIA, two wreaths, containing letters Π and X; ex Rex Numismatics budget auction 4 (15 Dec 2023), lot 400; $170.00 (€159.80)
Hierapolis, Phrygia, c. 244 - 249 A.D., Homonoia with Sardis
This type is dated to the reign of Philip I based on this coin's reverse die which is shared with a coin of Otacilia Severa. The Π on the reverse abbreviates ΠYΘIAN, referring to the Pythian games, which were, after the Olympian, the greatest in importance of the four chief Hellenic festivals. The X abbreviates XPYΣANΘINA, referring to games held near Hierapolis on the banks Chrysoroas river. RP114891. Bronze AE 26, RPC Online VIII U63168 (15 spec., this coin cited), Franke-Nollé 868, SNG Tüb 4050, Weber 7122, Johnston Hierapolis -, SNG Cop -, Choice F, well centered on a broad flan, a few light marks, central depression on rev., weight 5.046 g, maximum diameter 26.2 mm, die axis 180o, Phrygia, Hierapolis (near Pamukkale, Turkey) mint, pseudo-autonomous, c. 244 - 249 A.D.; obverse IEPA CY-NKΛHTO-C, draped bust of the senate right; reverse IEPAΠOΛEITΩN K CAPΔIANΩN NEΩKOPΩN OMONOIA, two wreaths, containing letters Π and X; ex Rex Numismatics budget auction 4 (15 Dec 2023), lot 399; $150.00 (€141.00)
Philip I the Arab, February 244 - End of September 249 A.D., Antiocheia, Pisidia
For most coins, the only way to distinguish between Philip I and his son Philip II is the age of the portrait. The portrait here appears a little young for Philip I, but RPC dates it to 244 - 245, when Philip II was not yet Augustus. The "P M" at the end of the obverse legend likely means "Persicus Maximus" boasting of victory over Persia, rather than the traditional "Pontifex Maximus." In either case, victorious commander or high priest, it is appropriate only for Philip I. With all the above being said, it is still interesting to see a few of the coins cataloged for this type with a clearly bearded emperor, with even a reverse die that is identical (or nearly identical) to the youthful portrait(s). Compare "B: 18273822, Rauch" with "C: 146-1961" under RPC Online VIII U3290.RP113939. Bronze AE 27, RPC Online VIII U3290 (71 spec.); SNG BnF 1277-1778 corr. (Philip II); SNG Pfalz 110 corr. (same); cf. BMC p. 197, 122-123 (leg. arr.) corr. (same), Choice F, well centered, smooth, even surfaces, good detail, weight 11.131 g, maximum diameter 26.7 mm, die axis 180o, Antioch in Pisidia (Yalvac, Turkey) mint, early issues, 244 - 245 A.D.; obverse IMP N IVL PHILIPPVS P F AVG P M, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; reverse CAES ANTIO-CH COL (last five letters upside down in exergue), vexillum flanked by two standards and surmounted by eagle facing with wings spread and open wreath in beak, standards also topped by eagles turned toward the vexillum, S - R on ground line in inner fields divided by base of vexillum; $90.00 (€84.60)
Philip I the Arab, February 244 - End of September 249 A.D., Antioch, Seleucis and Pieria, Syria
When Philip visited Antioch, Saint Babylas refused to let him enter the gathering of Christians at the Easter vigil (Eusebius, Historia ecclesiastica, VI, 34). Later legend elaborates, stating that Babylas demanded that he do penance for his part in the murder of the young Gordian III before he would allow Philip to celebrate Easter. Saint Babylas died in prison in 253 during the Decian persecution. He asked to be buried in his chains.RY113507. Billon tetradrachm, McAlee 887; Prieur 319; RPC Online VIII U29183; BMC Galatia p. 212, 506; Dura Coins 397, VF, toned, nice portrait, rough areas, weight 12.055 g, maximum diameter 27.3 mm, die axis 180o, Antioch (Antakya, Turkey) mint, 244 A.D.; obverse AVTOK K M IOVΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOC CEB, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; reverse ΔHMAPX EΞOYCIAC (holder of Tribunitian power), eagle standing facing on palm branch, head left, tail left, wings open, wreath in beak, S C (senatus consulto) in exergue; $110.00 (€103.40)
Otacilia Severa, Augusta, February or March 244 - September or October 249 A.D.
In Roman religion, Concordia was the goddess of agreement, understanding, and marital harmony. The cult of Concordia Augusta ("Majestic Harmony") was of special importance to the imperial household. She is usually depicted wearing a long cloak and holding a patera (sacrificial bowl), a cornucopia (symbol of prosperity), or a caduceus (symbol of peace).RS113156. Silver antoninianus, RIC IV 125c, RSC IV 4, Hunter III 4, SRCV III 9147, aEF, some mint luster, superb portrait, well centered, flow lines, flan flaw rev. right side, weight 4.078 g, maximum diameter 22.7 mm, die axis 180o, Rome mint, c. 245 - 247 A.D.; obverse M OTACIL SEVERA AVG, draped bust right, wearing stephane, crescent behind shoulders; reverse CONCORDIA AVGG (harmony between the two emperors), Concordia seated left, patera in right hand, double cornucopia in left hand; ex Numismatik Naumann auction 130 (2 Jul 2023), lot 1309 (part of); $90.00 (€84.60)
This coin was struck for the 1000th anniversary of Rome, and the legend translates, "The New Century." David Sear notes the temple depicted is the double temple of Venus and Roma completed under Antoninus Pius in 141 A.D.SH77376. Orichalcum sestertius, RIC IV 164 (R) corr. (rev. legend), Hunter III 117, Cohen V 201, Banti 52, SRCV III 9015, EF, superb sharp portrait, squared flan, weight 14.054 g, maximum diameter 27.4 mm, die axis 0o, Rome mint, 249 A.D.; obverse IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; reverse SAECVLVM NOVVM (the new age), Octastyle temple, statue of Roma seated facing within, S C (senatus consulto) in exergue; ex Roma Numismatics e-auction 7, lot 1179; rare; SOLD
In April 248, Philip combined the celebration of Rome's 1000th anniversary with the Ludi Saeculares. Festivities included spectacular games and theatrical presentations. In the Colosseum, more than 1,000 gladiators were killed along with hundreds of exotic animals including hippos, leopards, lions, giraffes, and one rhinoceros. Lions undoubtedly participated in the celebratory events, battles between animals and in the slaughter of condemned criminals.SH45538. Silver antoninianus, RIC IV 12, RSC IV 173, Hunter III 44, SRCV III 8956, Choice gVF, near full circles, excellent portrait, weight 3.836 g, maximum diameter 23.1 mm, die axis 180o, 1st officina, Rome mint, 248 A.D.; obverse IMP PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse SAECVLARES AVGG (Secular games [provided by] the Emperors), lion walking right, I (1st officina) in exergue; SOLD
Julius Marinus, Father of Philip the Arab, Philippopolis, Arabia
Philip the Arab was born in a small village in Provincia Arabia that is today Shahba, Syria, a city 87 km south of Damascus. After he became emperor, he renamed it Philippopolis and an extensive construction program began changing the village to a city. Philippopolis also issued coins honoring Philip's father, Julius Marinus.SH15300. Bronze AE 23, SNG ANS 1402, Spijkerman 2, BMC Arabia p. 42, 2, Fair, holed, weight 6.513 g, maximum diameter 23.5 mm, die axis 180o, Philippopolis (Shahba, Syria) mint, 244 - 249; obverse ΘEΩ MAPINΩ, Julius Marinus' bust right, carried by eagle; reverse ΦIΛIΠΠOΠOΛITΩN KOΛΩNIAΣ S - C, Roma standing left, patera in right hand, spear in left hand, shield at feet right; rare; SOLD
Philip I the Arab, February 244 - End of September 249 A.D., Viminacium, Moesia Superior
Viminacium was a Roman Colony founded by Gordian III in 239 A.D. The usual legend is P.M.S. COL. VIM., abbreviating Provinciae Moesiae Superioris Colonia Viminacium. The usual type is a female personification of Moesia standing between a lion and a bull. The bull and the lion were symbols of the Legions VII and IV, which were quartered in the province.RP96920. Orichalcum provincial sestertius, H-J Viminacium 29 (R2); Martin 2.14, AMNG I/I 103, Varbanov I 135; BMC Thrace p. 17, 21, F, porous, tight oval flan, obverse off center cutting off right side of legend, weight 13.924 g, maximum diameter 27.3 mm, die axis 0o, Viminacium (Stari Kostolac, Serbia) mint, 245 - 246 A.D.; obverse IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right, seen from behind; reverse P M S COL VIM, Moesia standing facing, head left, extending hands over bull on left standing right and lion on right standing left, AN VI (year 6 of the Viminacium colonial era) in exergue; SOLD
Philip I the Arab, February 244 - End of September 249 A.D., Viminacium, Moesia Superior
Viminacium was a Roman Colony founded by Gordian III in 239 A.D. The usual legend is P.M.S. COL. VIM., abbreviating Provinciae Moesiae Superioris Colonia Viminacium. The usual type is a female personification of Moesia standing between a lion and a bull. The bull and the lion were symbols of the Legions VII and IV, which were quartered in the province.RP92632. Orichalcum provincial sestertius, H-J Viminacium 29 (R2); Martin 2.14, AMNG I/I 103, Varbanov I 135; BMC Thrace p. 17, 21, VF, excellent portrait, crackling from light corrosion, porosity, part of reverse legend weak, weight 18.681 g, maximum diameter 29.5 mm, die axis 225o, Viminacium (Stari Kostolac, Serbia) mint, 245 - 246 A.D.; obverse IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right; reverse P M S COL VIM, Moesia standing facing, head left, extending hands over bull on left standing right and lion on right standing left, AN VI (year 6 of the Viminacium colonial era) in exergue; from the Errett Bishop Collection; SOLD
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