PHILIP I THE ARAB Syro-Phoenician Tetradrachm

PHILIP I THE ARAB Syro-Phoenician Tetradrachm

Size: 2.7 cm diameter

Wight: 13 gr.

COMMENTS ON CONDITION:
Specimen on a small centered flan. Beautiful bust of Philip I. Reverse well striked. Beautiful patina of an old collection with golden reflections.

OBVERSE
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Obverse description: Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Philip I the Arab facing right, seen three-quarters from behind (A2).

Obverse legend: AUTOK K M IOUL FILIPPOS SEB, (Autokratoros Kaisaros Markos Ioulios FilippoS Sebastos)

Obverse translation: (Emperor Caesar Marcus Julius Philip Augustus).

REVERSE
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Reverse Inscription: ANTIOXIA / S|C at the exergue.

Reverse Description: Eagle standing to the left, wings widely spread, head to the left and tail to the right, holding a leafy wreath in its beak.

Reverse Legend: DHMARC - EX OUSIAS UPATOD

Reverse Translation: (Invested with tribunician power / Consul for the fourth time / with the approval of the Senate of Antioch).

COMMENTARY
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In the TSP database maintained by Michel Prieur, forty-nine specimens are now listed for this type.

HISTORY
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PHILIP I THE ARAB
(03/244-09/249)
Philip was born in Bostra in Trachonitis, a province of Arabia, hence the Emperor'snickname. He was appointed Praetorian Prefect after the disappearance of Timesitheus, father-in-law of Gordian III, in 243. Philip either had Gordian assassinated at the beginning of 244 or allowed it to happen, then quickly concluded a disgraceful peace with the Sassanians. He paid them a tribute of 500,000 denarii. He appointed his son Philip Caesar in 244 and his wife Otacilia Severa Augusta. In 247, Philip elevated his son to the rank of Augustus. He led a brilliant campaign against the Quadi and the Carpi who had invaded Dacia. The major event of Philip's reign was the celebration of Rome's millennium, which began on April 21, 247. Several usurpers, including Jotapian and Pacatian, proclaim themselves emperors at the end of the reign. Philip assigns Decius, commander of the legions of Pannonia, to restore order on the Danube. The troops, against his will, proclaim Decius emperor in June or July 249. Philip meets his death fighting Decius's troops in September 249.