Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Philip I 203A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Philip I 203A. 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 concordia, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and double cornucopiae in left hand, with the legend CONCORDIA AVGG S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
7
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, reigned as Roman emperor from 244 until September 249. After serving as Praetorian prefect, he was proclaimed emperor following the death of Gordian III. Philip negotiated peace with the Sasanian Empire, secured confirmation from the Senate in Rome, repelled an incursion across the Danube in 246, and celebrated Rome's millennium in 248 before falling in battle at Verona against Decius.

Struck at the Rome mint under Philip's authority, this bronze sestertius features his wife Otacilia Severa, styled on the obverse as "MARCIA OTACIL SEVERA AVG". During the Roman Empire, the sestertius served as a large brass denomination representing one quarter of a denarius and two and a half asses, useful for commerce. The reverse bears the inscription "CONCORDIA AVGG S C" and depicts Concordia seated, holding a patera and double cornucopiae.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Philip the Arab

Design

Obverse
Bust of Otacilia Severa, diademed, draped, right
Reverse
Concordia, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and double cornucopiae in left hand
Obverse legend
MARCIA OTACIL SEVERA AVG
Reverse legend
CONCORDIA AVGG S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Philip I 203A
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
MARCIA OTACIL SEVERA AVG
Reverse legend to match
CONCORDIA 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.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference