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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Philip I 258A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Philip I 258A. 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 standard in right hand and spear reversed in left hand, with the legend PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS 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, served as Roman Emperor from 244 to 249 following the death of Gordian III. After negotiating peace with the Sasanian Empire, he travelled to Rome to obtain confirmation from the Senate, presiding over an unusually stable phase during the crisis of the third century before his death at Verona in 249.

Struck at the Rome mint under the authority of Philip the Arab, this bronze sestertius features his son, Philip II. The obverse depicts Philip II's draped, bare-headed bust accompanied by the legend "M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES". The reverse portrays him standing left, holding a standard and a reversed spear, alongside the legend "PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS S C". During the Roman Empire, the sestertius was a large coin derived from an initial value of two and a half asses, representing one quarter of a denarius and serving as a useful medium for 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, standing left, holding standard in right hand and spear reversed in left hand
Obverse legend
M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES
Reverse legend
PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Philip I 258A
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES
Reverse legend to match
PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS 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

Varieties

  • RIC IV Philip I 258C

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

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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