Roman Provincial, Seleucis & Pieria, Antioch, Philip I 'the Arab' (244-249 AD) Æ 8 Assaria

PHILIP I 'the Arab' was Roman Emperor from 244-249 AD. He was the first Emperor to come from the Roman province of Arabia. He rose through the army to become Praetorian Commander under Gordian III. During the Persian campaign his troops gave him their support against Gordian and made him Emperor.

Upon ascending the throne, Philip immediately sought to solidify a dynastic legacy. He married Marcia Otacilia Severa, a woman from an influential Roman senatorial family, a union that helped bridge the gap between his provincial origins and the traditional elite of Rome. Together, they had a son, Marcus Julius Severus Philippus (Philip II). Philip quickly elevated his young son to the rank of Caesar in 244 AD and later to co-Augustus in 247 AD, ensuring that his family shared the highest honours of the state.

In 248 AD Philip had the honour of leading the celebrations of Rome's first millennium (1000th anniversary) with spectacular games and celebrations.

In 249 AD both Philip and his son were killed after their army was defeated near Verona by the forces of Trajan Decius.

Numismatically, the reign of Philip the Arab is highly regarded as one of the last major periods of relative artistic stability before the severe hyperinflation and monetary collapse of the later 3rd century. Struck across a decentralised system of workshops (primarily in Rome and Antioch), his coinage featured a diverse range of denominations.

The most famous and highly collectible issues from his reign are his commemorative 'Millennium coins', minted for Rome's 1000th anniversary in 248 AD. These issues prominently feature the reverse legend SAECVLARES AVGG alongside highly detailed depictions of the exotic animals that were brought to Rome to be showcased and slaughtered during the lavish secular games.