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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Philip I 167B

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Philip I 167B. Denomination: As. 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 elephant, guided by driver with goad and wand, walking left, with the legend AETERNITATIS AVGG 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

Philip the Arab, born Marcus Julius Philippus in Shahba, Syria, ruled as Roman emperor from 244 to 249. After serving as Praetorian prefect during Gordian III's campaign against the Sasanian Empire, he was proclaimed emperor following Gordian's death. Philip negotiated peace with the Sasanians and returned to Rome to receive senatorial confirmation, governing during an unusually stable interval within the third-century crisis.

Produced at the mint of Rome, this bronze as was issued under Philip's imperial authority. In 248, Philip commemorated the first millennium of Rome by staging large-scale festivals and games. The obverse presents his portrait with the legend "IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG", while the reverse depicts an elephant guided by a driver carrying a goad and wand, accompanied by the inscription "AETERNITATIS AVGG S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
As

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Philip the Arab

Design

Obverse
Bust of Philip the Arab, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Elephant, guided by driver with goad and wand, walking left
Obverse legend
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend
AETERNITATIS AVGG S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Philip I 167B
Denomination and metal
As, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
AETERNITATIS 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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