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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Philip I 162A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Philip I 162A. 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 low column inscribed COS III, with the legend SAECVLARES AVGG S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
4
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 following the death of Gordian III. After negotiating peace with the Sasanian Empire, he travelled to Rome to obtain senatorial confirmation. His five-year reign formed a stable interval amidst the third-century crisis, during which he also repelled a Carpi invasion across the Danube in 246.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze sestertius relates directly to Philip's celebration of Rome's first millennium in 248. For this major milestone, the emperor organised large-scale games and festivals. The reverse design features a low column inscribed "COS III" accompanied by the legend "SAECVLARES AVGG S C", while the obverse presents the emperor with the imperial title "IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG".

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
Low column inscribed COS III
Obverse legend
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend
SAECVLARES AVGG S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Philip I 162A
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
SAECVLARES AVGG 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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