Philip I – Coin #2 – Aeqvitas Avgg

PhilipAequitas

This coin is an antoninianus struck in Rome between 245 and 247 CE. It weighs 4.21g and measures 23.3mm.

Obverse: IMP M IVL PHILIPVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right

Reverse: AEQVITAS AVGG, Aequitas standing left with scales and cornucopia.

Reference: Sear 8918

I bought this coin on march 9th 2024 at the MDC Monaco E-Sale #8.


An old but beautiful silver coin showing the Roman emperor Philip I on the obverse wearing a radiate crown. He has short hair and a beard and is clearly a military man. Around his portrait, in a circle, is the legend IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, for Imperator Marcus Iulius Philippus Augustus:

The reverse of this coin features Aequitas – a Roman concept or virtue which emcompasses justice, equity, symmetry, and fairness. The legend AEQVITAS AVGG – Aequitas Augusti – therefore alludes to the (self-procaimed) fairness and honesty of the two emperors, namely Philip I and his son Philip II.

This reverse was pretty popular for a while and was used by Vitellius, Titus, Domitian, Antoninus Pius, Pertinax, Septimius Severus, Macrinus, Maximinus, Gordian, Volusian, Macrianus and Quietus.

The coin is well struck, with good detail and clean fields showing some yellowing from the 1800 years that has passed since it was made. It is struck on a broad flan which is typical of early issues from this emperor, and has a very recognizable 3rd century style.