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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Philip I 256A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Philip I 256A. 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, standing left, holding globe in right hand and vertical spear 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

Philip the Arab, born Marcus Julius Philippus in modern-day Shahba, Syria, was Roman emperor from 244 until September 249. Proclaimed emperor following the death of Gordian III during a campaign against the Sasanian Empire, Philip negotiated peace with the Sasanians and returned to Rome for confirmation by the Senate. His five-year reign formed an unusually stable period in the crisis of the third century before his defeat and death near Verona against Decius.

In ancient Roman currency, the sestertius served as a coin valued at one quarter of a denarius, functioning as a denomination useful for commerce. The reverse portrays Philip II standing left, holding a globe and a vertical spear, accompanied by the inscription "PRINCIPI IVVENT S C".

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, standing left, holding globe in right hand and vertical spear in left hand
Obverse legend
M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES
Reverse legend
PRINCIPI IVVENT S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Philip I 256A
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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