I started the new year by picking three coins from the new cgb.fr fixed-price catalogue. Here is the first one, a Sestertius struck in celebration of the 1000th Anniversary of Rome. After concentrating on completing my portrait series during the last year, I am now trying to look for interesting reverses when I upgrade my budget bronzes. The reverse of this coin may be worn and double-struck, but as the games were the high point and most noteworthy event of Philipp´s reign, I think the depiction of one of the various beasts paraded through the Colosseum is far more interesting than the common personifications found on most of his coins. That said, it was also the portrait that won me over: IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG - Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philipp I right, seen from behind SAECVLARES AVGG, S C in exerque, antelope walking left Sestertius, Rome (6th officina) 248 (9th emission of Philipp I) 28,5 mm - 17,85 gr RIC 161a; Cohen 190; Banti 50; Hunter 108 Please show your Antelopes, Stags, Goats, Moose, Hippos, Elephants, Lions, She-Wolves, Cippus pillars, Roma Temples, Medallions or anything else related to the first Millennium Games!!!
What a wonderful coin with great patina and a cool, squarish flan. The portrait is amazing! Slightly off-topic, is that Pupienus in your avatar? Looks like him. I had a Pupienus sestertius, once. Decent, and coincidentally also kind of squarish, like your Philip, here, but not quite as nice as the one your avatar.
That is a lovely coin! Here's his wife's contribution to the numismatic celebration: Otacilia Severa, AD 244-249 Roman Æ sestertius; 11.52 g, 30.4 mm Rome, AD 248 Obv: MARCIA OTACIL SEVERA AVG, diademed and draped bust, right Rev: SAECVLARES AVGG SC, Hippopotamus standing right Refs: RIC 200; Cohen 65; RCV 9170; Hunter 26.
That's a coin I couldn't resist if I had the opportunity to buy it---so much eye-appeal and character with such a wonderful portrait I believe I'm still lacking examples from the 'Ist Millennium Games'