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RIC IV Philip I 172A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Philip I 172A. 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 fides, draped, standing left, holding two standards, with the legend FIDES MILITVM S C. The obverse shows bust of Philip the Arab, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG. The reverse shows fides, draped, standing left, holding two standards, with the legend FIDES MILITVM 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. Previously serving as Praetorian prefect during Gordian III's campaign against the Sasanian Empire, Philip was proclaimed emperor after Gordian died following the Battle of Misiche. He negotiated peace with the Sasanians and returned to Rome, where his rule was confirmed by the Senate.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze sestertius features an obverse bearing Philip's portrait and the legend IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG. 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 reverse depicts Fides holding two standards alongside the inscription FIDES MILITVM 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
Fides, draped, standing left, holding two standards
Obverse legend
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend
FIDES MILITVM S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Philip I 172A
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
FIDES MILITVM 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. 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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