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RIC IV Philip I 169B

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Philip I 169B. 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 felicitas, draped, standing left, holding long caduceus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand, with the legend FELICITAS TEMP 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 Arabia Petraea, ruled as Roman emperor from 244 until his death in September 249. Following the death of Gordian III during a campaign against the Sasanian Empire, Philip became emperor, concluded a peace treaty with the Sasanians, and travelled to Rome to obtain confirmation from the Senate. His five-year reign represented a period of relative stability during the crisis of the third century.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this bronze as was issued under Philip's imperial authority. The obverse presents the emperor's portrait alongside his official titulature reading "IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG". The reverse depicts the personification Felicitas standing with a caduceus and a cornucopiae, accompanied by the inscription "FELICITAS TEMP S C". This design was struck amidst a reign that saw Philip repel an invasion by the Carpi across the Danube in 246 and commemorate the millennium of Rome in 248.

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
Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding long caduceus in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend
FELICITAS TEMP S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Philip I 169B
Denomination and metal
As, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
FELICITAS TEMP 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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