Issuer: Antioch on the Orontes Composition: Bronze; Title: Octassaria - Philippus II (Antioch); Ruler: Philip II
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) | | 15.2 (g) |
Obverse | Laurelled, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip II Augustus on the right, seen from three-quarters back; two globules below the bust. Lettering:ΑΥΤΟΚ Κ Μ ΙΟΥΛΙ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟϹ ϹΕΒ |
Reverse | Bust of the Tyche of Antioch, tourelé, veiled, draped on the right, surmounted by a ram leaping to the right, turning its head to the left; in the exergue, a star. Lettering:ΑΝΤΙΟΧΕΩΝ ΜΗΤΡΟ ΚΟΛΩΝΔ ɛS C |
References | GCV 4147; |
Rating | Rating Group | Serial Number | Ancient Very Fine (VF) | NGC | 6830436003 |
Links | Link 2 Link 3 |
