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RIC IV Philip I 267A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Philip I 267A. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Philip the Arab. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Philip II, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG.

The reverse shows philip the Arab and Philip II, seated left, on curule chairs, extending right hands; Philip the Arab, nearer spectator, holds short sceptre in left hand, with the legend LIBERALITAS AVGG III S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
5
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, ruled as Roman Emperor from 244 to 249. Proclaimed emperor following the death of Gordian III, Philip negotiated peace with the Sasanian Empire and travelled to Rome to obtain senatorial confirmation. His five-year reign represented an unusually stable interval amidst the third-century crisis, during which he repelled a Carpi invasion across the Danube and celebrated the millennium of Rome in 248.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze sestertius features an obverse portrait of his son and co-ruler, Philip II, accompanied by the inscription IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG. During the imperial period, the sestertius was an established Roman coin denomination that had originated as a unit valued at two and a half asses, or one quarter of a denarius, functioning as a regular medium for commerce. The reverse bears the legend LIBERALITAS AVGG III S C, depicting Philip the Arab seated on a curule chair beside Philip II, holding a short sceptre as both rulers extend their right hands.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Philip the Arab

Design

Obverse
Bust of Philip II, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Philip the Arab and Philip II, seated left, on curule chairs, extending right hands; Philip the Arab, nearer spectator, holds short sceptre in left hand
Obverse legend
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend
LIBERALITAS AVGG III S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Philip I 267A
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
LIBERALITAS AVGG III 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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