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RIC IV Philip I 255A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Philip I 255A. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Philip the Arab. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Philip II, bare-headed, draped, right, with the legend M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES.

The reverse shows philip II, in military attire, standing right, holding transverse spear in right hand and globe in left hand, with the legend PRINCIPI IVVENT 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

Marcus Julius Philippus, known as Philip the Arab, ruled as Roman emperor from 244 to 249 following the death of Gordian III. Born in Arabia Petraea, Philip concluded peace with the Sasanian Empire before travelling to Rome to receive senatorial confirmation. His five-year reign formed an unusually stable interval amidst the third-century crisis, during which he campaigned along the Danube and marked Rome's millennium in 248.

Struck at Rome under Philip's authority, this bronze sestertius features his son Philip II. The obverse presents the youth bare-headed and draped alongside the legend "M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES". The reverse portrays Philip II in military attire, holding a globe and a transverse spear, accompanied by the inscription "PRINCIPI IVVENT S C". During the imperial era, the sestertius was an established denomination valued at one quarter of a denarius, functioning regularly in everyday Roman commerce.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Philip the Arab

Design

Obverse
Bust of Philip II, bare-headed, draped, right
Reverse
Philip II, in military attire, standing right, holding transverse spear in right hand and globe in left hand
Obverse legend
M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES
Reverse legend
PRINCIPI IVVENT S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Philip I 255A
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES
Reverse legend to match
PRINCIPI IVVENT 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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