The Roman Empire
Domitian


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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC Ch MS Strike: 5/5 Surface: 5/5
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

Little is known for certain about the early life and political career of Marcus Julius Philippus besides his birthplace in the Roman province of Arabia, for which he earned the nickname Philip I “the Arab” (c. 204 – 249 AD). Philip aspired for power; he was supported in this by his brother, Gaius Julius Priscus, who was a Praetorian Guard under the child emperor, Gordian III. During the Persian campaign in 243 AD, Gordian’s father-in-law and de facto ruler, the Praetorian Prefect Timesitheus, died under mysterious circumstances. Priscus apparently held enough influence over the impressionable young Emperor to convince him into naming Philip as replacement. The campaign resumed, and Gordian was killed in 244 AD, either in battle following a military defeat, or, by some accounts, at the hands of Philip and his followers. Philip declared himself new Emperor, made peace with the Persians (involving promises of large annual indemnities), and, leaving Priscus in control of the Eastern borders, returned to Rome to secure his powers with the Senate. It was in Rome where this antoninianus (or double denarius) was struck, several years later. Philip's radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust is typical for the period. On the verso is Aequitas holding a cornucopiae and a scale. Aequitas was the Roman's divine personification of concepts such as justice, equality, and balance. Thus, the imagery and the epithet (AQVITAS AVGG) associates these admirable attributes with Philip and his son Philip II, who was now co-Augustus. The coin clearly represents propaganda: there was nothing balanced or fair regarding Philip's reign. Philip spent liberally on the Persian tribute, necessary donatives to secure his accession, and new public works, such as transforming his hometown - now renamed Philippopolis - into a replica of Rome herself. Short of funds, Philip raised taxes ruthlessly, debased the Antoninianus, and ceased paying subsidies that kept the peace along northern borders. Also, Philip lavishly hosted Rome’s one thousand year anniversary, wherein venues such as the Coliseum and Circus Maximus held stupendous festivities from theatrical presentations to carnage of countless gladiators and exotic animals. The fun and games did not last long, however, as Philip contended with various attacks from all borders and from within. Apparently overwhelmed by invasions and usurpers, Philip offered to resign, but the Senate continued its support. Among Philip’s most avid supporters was Gaius Messius Quintus Decius. Impressed with Decius’ loyalty, Philip promptly gave him command of the Pannonian and Moesian provinces, and dispatched him to quell the rebellions there. Decius accomplished just that, however, afterwards the Danubian legions proclaimed him Emperor. Battles ensued, and Philip was killed in 249, likely assassinated by his own troops eager to please the new Emperor. Priscus, whose harsh rule in the East led to unrest and rebellion as well, disappeared without a trace. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Philip I, AD 244-249, AR Antoninianus (21mm, 4.07 g, 1h), Rome mint, 2nd officina, 5th emission, AD 246, NGC Grade: Ch MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, Reverse: Aequitas standing left, holding scales and cornucopia, AEQVITAS AVGG, References: RIC IV 27b; RSC 9.

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