Philip I, AE Sestertius, Rome Mint, 248 AD – Mars

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Description

Roman Imperial, Philip I, AE  Sestertius (orichalcum, 22.75g, 30mm) , Rome Mint, 248 AD
Obv: IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG; laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I to right, seen from behind
Rev: P M TR P II COS III P P; Mars standing front, head to left, holding olive branch in his right hand and placing his left on shield set on the ground; spear leaning against his left shoulder; S – C  across field
Ref: Cohen 146; RIC 152 Rarity/Choice: Common, aVF (unusually heavy for this issue)
Note: Philip I, also known as Philip the Arab, was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 244 to 249. He was originally from the Roman province of Arabia and rose to power after the death of Emperor Gordian III. Philip’s reign is noted for his efforts to maintain stability within the empire, his celebration of Rome’s millennium in AD 248, and his relatively peaceful policies compared to his predecessors.  The obverse features a laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Philip I facing right, seen from behind. The laurel wreath symbolizes victory and divine favor, while the drapery and cuirass signify his status as a military leader and defender of the empire.  “P M TR P II COS III P P / S – C” on reverse translates to “Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestas II, Consul III, Pater Patriae”;  This highlights Philip I’s various titles: High Priest (Pontifex Maximus), holder of Tribunician Power for the second time, Consul for the third time, and Father of the Fatherland (Pater Patriae). The “S – C” indicates that the coin was minted with the approval of the Senate.  The reverse also shows Mars, the Roman god of war, standing front with his head turned to the left. Mars holds an olive branch in his right hand, symbolizing peace, and places his left hand on a shield set on the ground, symbolizing readiness for war. A spear leans against his left shoulder, emphasizing his martial attributes.

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