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Besides his birthplace in the Roman province of Arabia, little is known for certain about the early life and political career of Marcus Julius Philippus, a.k.a., Philip I “the Arab” (c. 204 – 249 AD). Evidently, Philip endeavored to gain as much power as possible, and was supported in the effort by his brother, Gaius Julius Priscus, 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 Timesitheus’ 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.
Two years later, Rome’s mint issued this antoninianus (or double denarius). The obverse features Philip's radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust, engraved in typical style for the period. The verso features the Roman goddess Aequitas, holding a cornucopiae and a scale. Aequitas was the divine personification of interrelated concepts such as justice, equality, and balance. The verso inscription (AQVITAS AVGG), attempts to associate Aequitas’ admirable attributes with Philip and his son Philip II, who by now had been named as co-Augustus.
The coin clearly represents propaganda; Philips’ policies proved neither balanced nor fair. The new Augustus spent liberally on the Persian tributes, not to mention ostentatious new public works. The latter included transformation of Philips’ hometown - now renamed Philippopolis - into a replica of Rome herself. Growing short on funds, Philip raised taxes ruthlessly and debased the antoninianus. Philip even ceased paying the promised subsidies meant to maintain peace along northern borders. Most exorbitant of all, Philip hosted Rome’s one thousand year anniversary. That lavish event involved all imaginable venues and festivities; arguably, it proved Rome’s wildest party ever, and that’s saying something.
Alas, the fun and games did not endure. Contending with attacks from seemingly every border, and from within, an overwhelmed Philip contemplated resignation. At least for while, Philip enjoyed the support of Rome’s Senate. Among the latter, perhaps the most avid supporter was Gaius Messius Quintus Decius. Impressed with Decius’ loyalty, Philip tasked him with controlling the troublesome Pannonian and Moesian provinces. The former Seantor exceeded imperial expectations, promptly quelling the local rebellions. Indeed, the success prompted the Danubian legions to declare they preferred Decius over Philip as Rome’s Emperor. Battles ensued, and Philip was killed in 249 AD, likely assassinated by his own troops eager to please their new Emperor-elect. Philip's brother Priscus, whose harsh rule similarly led to unrest and rebellion in the East, 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.