Issuer: Antioch on the Orontes Composition: Bronze; Title: Octassarion - Philippus I (ΑΝΤΙΟΧΕΩΝ ΜΗΤΡΟ ΚΟΛΩN; Antioch); Ruler: Philip I
Philip II, son of Philip I, known as Philip the Arab, served as co-emperor of the Roman Empire from 247 to 249 AD. His reign, although brief, is noteworthy for its historical context during the tumultuous Third Century Crisis, a period characterized by political instability, economic decline, and external threats. Philip II's coins, minted during this era, are significant for both their numismatic and historical value. These coins often featured his portrait, symbolizing the continuation of the Severan dynasty's legitimacy and the hope of stability in a period of rampant usurpations and military rebellions. The imagery and inscriptions on these coins were not mere representations of imperial power but also tools of propaganda, designed to bolster the legitimacy of the young emperor and his father amidst the Empire's challenging circumstances. The coins of Philip II, typically struck in gold, silver, and bronze, varied in denomination and were circulated widely across the vast expanse of the Roman Empire, from the heart of Rome to its distant provinces. For historians and numismatists, these coins offer invaluable insights into the political narratives and economic conditions of the late Roman Empire. They are not only artifacts of monetary exchange but also bearers of the rich symbolism and messaging that the imperial authority sought to project during one of the most challenging periods in Roman history.
Denomination | Octassarion |
Metal | Bronze |
Size (mm) | Weight (g) | 14.36 (mm) | 29 (g) |
Obverse | Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I, right, seen from rear Lettering:ΑΥΤΟΚ Κ Μ ΙΟΥΛΙ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟC CEΒ |
Reverse | Veiled, turreted and draped bust of Tyche, right; above, ram leaping right, head left; below, star Lettering:ΑΝΤΙΟΧEΩΝ ΜΗΤΡΟ ΚΟΛΩ(Ν)Δ ES C |
References | RPC Online VIII 7494; |
Rating | Rating Group | Serial Number | Ancient Choice Very Fine (Ch VF) | NGC | 6830428009 |
Links | Link 3 |