Lot 4196
Philip I, AD 244-249. Gold Aureus (4.92g) minted at Rome, AD 244-247. Laureate, draped and cuirassed Philip bust right. Reverse: Fides standing left holding a military standard in each hand. RIC 34, Calicó 3247 (R5). Very Rare. Trivial reverse dirt with underlying luster present. Extremely Fine.
The reverse here reflects the importance of the loyalty of the Roman legions to their emperor and, of course, the emperor's hope and need for just that. By this period in Roman history, though, such loyalty had become, and would increasingly become, more fickle and it would be the case for Philip. After two years along the Danubian frontier repelling invasions by the Carpi, Philip returned in triumph to Rome in AD 247. His glory was short lived.
In the spring or early summer of 248, the Danubian legions, apparently tired of Philip, hailed Pacatian as emperor. This rebellion was eventually stamped out, but two others occurred on the Rhine and the Danube. The vicious rule of Philip's brother, Priscus in the eastern part of the empire, meanwhile, ignited the East in a rebellion by the legions lead by Jotapian. In AD 249, Trajan Decius, the man Philip sent to quell the unrest in Moesia and Pannonia, was hailed emperor by the soldiers of his command. Philip was killed in the ensuing battle.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000.
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| Realized $46,000 |
