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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Philip I 200A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Philip I 200A. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Philip the Arab. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Otacilia Severa, diademed, draped, right, with the legend MARCIA OTACIL SEVERA AVG. The reverse shows hippopotamus, standing right, with the legend SAECVLARES AVGG S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
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 ruled the Roman Empire from 244 to 249, having been proclaimed emperor after the death of Gordian III. Following a negotiated peace with the Sasanian Empire, Philip travelled to Rome to obtain senatorial confirmation. In 248, he commemorated the first millennium of Rome by staging a series of large-scale festivals and games before facing rebellions and his eventual defeat at Verona in 249.

Produced at the mint of Rome, this sestertius features the obverse bust and title "MARCIA OTACIL SEVERA AVG". The reverse depiction of a hippopotamus alongside the legend "SAECVLARES AVGG S C" was struck in connection with the secular celebrations organized in Rome during Philip's reign.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Philip the Arab

Design

Obverse
Bust of Otacilia Severa, diademed, draped, right
Reverse
Hippopotamus, standing right
Obverse legend
MARCIA OTACIL SEVERA AVG
Reverse legend
SAECVLARES AVGG S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Philip I 200A
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
MARCIA OTACIL SEVERA AVG
Reverse legend to match
SAECVLARES 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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