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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Philip I 161

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Philip I 161. 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 antelope, walking left, with the legend SAECVLARES AVGG S C COS II.

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, ruled as Roman emperor from 244 to 249 following the death of Gordian III. After negotiating peace with the Sasanian Empire, he travelled to Rome to obtain confirmation from the Senate. In 248, Philip commemorated the first millennium of Rome by staging a series of large-scale festivals and games.

Struck at the Rome mint, this sestertius belongs to the imperial coinage issued under Philip. During the Roman Empire, the sestertius was a large denomination useful for commerce, valued at one quarter of a denarius or two and a half asses. The coin features the obverse legend "IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG" and the reverse inscription "SAECVLARES AVGG S C COS II", depicting a walking antelope in connection with the secular celebrations of Rome's millennium.

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
Antelope, walking left
Obverse legend
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend
SAECVLARES AVGG S C COS II

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Philip I 161
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
SAECVLARES AVGG S C COS II
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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