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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Philip I 153A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Philip I 153A. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Philip the Arab. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Philip the Arab, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG.

The reverse shows felicitas, draped, standing left, holding long caduceus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand, with the legend P M TR P V COS III P P S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Marcus Julius Philippus, known as Philip the Arab, served as Roman emperor from 244 to 249. Proclaimed emperor following the death of Gordian III, he concluded peace with the Sasanian Empire and secured senatorial confirmation in Rome. His five-year reign formed a stable interval amidst the crisis of the third century, featuring victories along the Danube and the celebration of Rome's millennium in 248.

This bronze sestertius was struck at the mint of Rome. In Roman imperial coinage, the sestertius served as a large denomination, historically valued at one quarter of a denarius and used in commerce. The obverse bears the emperor's portrait with the inscription "IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG", while the reverse depicts Felicitas holding a long caduceus and cornucopiae, accompanied by the legend "P M TR P V COS III P P S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Philip the Arab

Design

Obverse
Bust of Philip the Arab, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding long caduceus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend
P M TR P V COS III P P S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Philip I 153A
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
P M TR P V COS III P P S C
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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