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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Philip I 190

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Philip I 190. 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 securitas, draped, seated left, holding sceptre in right hand and propping head on left hand, with the legend SECVRIT ORBIS S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
5
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, ruled as Roman emperor from 244 to 249. Having served as Praetorian prefect during Gordian III's campaign against the Sasanian Empire, Philip was proclaimed emperor after Gordian died. Following peace negotiations with the Sasanians, Philip travelled to Rome to obtain confirmation from the Senate, presiding over an unusually stable five-year period during the crisis of the third century.

Struck at the mint of Rome, this bronze sestertius was issued under Philip's imperial authority. During the Roman Empire, the sestertius served as a large brass denomination useful for commerce, originally valued at one quarter of a denarius. The obverse presents the emperor alongside the legend "IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG", while the reverse displays Securitas holding a sceptre with the legend "SECVRIT ORBIS 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
Securitas, draped, seated left, holding sceptre in right hand and propping head on left hand
Obverse legend
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend
SECVRIT ORBIS S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Philip I 190
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
SECVRIT ORBIS 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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