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AR Antoninianus (22mm 3.41g) Struck AD 247-248 Rome
Obv: IMP PHILIPPVS AVG Radiate and draped bust right
Rev: ROMAE ATERNAE Roma in military dress, seated left holding victory and scepter. Sheild at side, altar at front
RIC 65, Sear 8955
The Front (Obverse): Meet the Emperor
- The Text: IMP PHILIPPVS AVG (Short for Imperator Philippus Augustus, basically saying "Commander Philip, the Emperor").
- The Portrait: You see Philip looking right, wearing a cool spiky crown. That is a radiate crown (inspired by the sun god). In ancient Roman money, putting this crown on the emperor's head was a quick way to tell everyone: "Hey, this coin is worth double a standard denarius!"
The Back (Reverse): Eternal Rome
- The Text: ROMAE ATERNAE which translates to "Eternal Rome."
- The Imagery: This features the goddess Roma (the personification of the city itself) dressed up in military gear and sitting on a throne.
- In one hand, she holds a long scepter showing her power.
- In her other hand, she balances a tiny statue of Victory, the goddess of winning.
- Beside her seat, you can spot her defensive shield, and right in front of her sits a small sacrificial altar.
Why this coin matters
During Philip’s reign in AD 248, Rome hit its Millennium—1,000 years since its legendary founding by Romulus and Remus. Philip threw a gigantic party for the city with spectacular games, wild animals, and theatrical performances. This exact coin was minted to spread the propaganda message across the empire: “Rome has made it to 1,000 years, and under Emperor Philip, it will last forever!”
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