The Roman Empire
Domitian


Obverse
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Reverse
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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

Philip II (238–249) was the son of the Roman Emperor Philip I the Arab and Empress Marcia Otacilia Severa. Soon after Philip I’s ascension in 244 AD he declared his son as heir, and, after military successes along the northern borders a couple years later, as co-Emperor. Philip II was no more than ten years old at the time. This coin was struck around 245 AD while Philip II was still Caesar, and not yet elevated to Augustus (hence the obverse epithet M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES). The portrait is an interesting one, presenting a boyish yet determined Caesar (compare to the tetradrachm in this set depicting a much more mature Philip II as co-Augustus). On the reverse, rather than a Roman god or goddess we see Philip II himself, in military dress, and holding a spear in one hand the globe in another. The message here is clear: the boy Caesar is being groomed to rule in his father's footsteps. As one considers the coin's portrayal, one can only wonder what young Philip thought about his lot. Actually, very little is known about his life and reign, and no wonder since it was brief and he had little, if anything, to do with governance. Before he would become a teenager, his father was killed as the legions revolted and named Decius the new Emperor. Philip II was not forgotten, however: as the news reached Rome, the Praetorian Guard killed the young co-Emperor, while hugging his Mother Severa. The coin is pending the grading process at NGC Ancients. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Philip II, As Caesar, AD 244-247, AR Antoninianus (22mm, 4.01 g, 7h), Rome mint, 3rd officina, 4th emission of Philip I, AD 245, NGC Grade: Ch MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Radiate and draped bust right, M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES, Reverse: Philip II in military dress, standing right, holding spear and globe, PRINCIPI IVVENT, References: RIC 216c; RSC 54.

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