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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Philip I 175A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Philip I 175A. 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 laetitia, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and rudder in left hand, with the legend LAET FVNDATA 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, ruled as Roman emperor from 244 to 249. Proclaimed emperor following the death of Gordian III during a campaign against the Sasanian Empire, Philip concluded peace with the Sasanians and travelled to Rome to obtain confirmation from the Senate. Although his reign took place amidst the crisis of the third century, it represented an unusually stable interval before his death in battle against Decius.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze piece was issued as a sestertius, a denomination that circulated during the Roman Empire as a large coin useful for commerce. The obverse presents the imperial portrait with the legend "IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG", while the reverse carries the inscription "LAET FVNDATA S C" alongside a representation of Laetitia holding a wreath and a rudder.

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
Laetitia, draped, standing left, holding wreath in right hand and rudder in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend
LAET FVNDATA S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Philip I 175A
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
LAET FVNDATA 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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