The first coin illustrated is a MON VRB Tet with a beautifully engraved portrait of Philip I. These coins had dies that were without doubt made at the Rome Mint to pay soldiers for the impending war against Persia (that didn't happen). Philip I concluded a shameful peace treaty with Shapur I, so he could return to Rome and declare a pseudo victory. Philip I, AD 244-249 (struck AD 246). Billon Tetradrachm, Officina 4, 27 mm, 6 h. The second Tet was made in the Antioch Mint and depicts Philip I with a heroic portrait, facing left, and holding a war shield. This coin is listed as Ex. Rare by Richard McAlee, with only 3 known examples. One example was cited by Michel Prieur but wasn't illustrated in his book. Philip I, AD 244-249 (struck AD 248-249), Antioch Mint, Billon Tetradrachm, 26 mm, 12 h. McAlee 959, Prieur 451. A more common variety with a different reverse is shown below. This variety is listed as Rare by McAlee (960), Prieur cites 7 examples (450)
Nice new coins. Congrats. As far as the Persian war, Phillip is depicted here at Naqsh-i-Rustam as the kneeling figure paying obeisance to Shapur. Valerian stands with bound hands.
Stunning coins, @Al Kowsky ! I don't have any Philip I tets from this city, but I do have one of his wife: Otacilia Severa, 244-249. Roman provincial AR tetradrachm, 12.23 g, 25.1 mm, 7 h. Syria, Seleucis & Pieria, Antioch ad Orontem, AD 245. Obv: ΜΑΡ ΟΤΑΚΙΛ CΕΟΥΗΡΑ CΕΒ, diademed and draped bust, right. Rev: ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞΟΥCΙΑC ΥΠΑΤΟ Α, eagle on palm, left, tail right, SC in exergue. Refs: McAlee 1088; Prieur 341; BMC 541.
A.C.H., I've always found this famous rock carving rather amusing . Notice how big Shapur is depicted, he's actually bigger than the horse .
R. C., You've got a nice looking Tet of Otacilia Severa . Unlike the huge quantities of double denarii that were minted, Tets are not very plentiful. I managed to score a nice looking example last year, but it cost me an arm & a leg . See photos below.
Spaniard, I've had a number of nice looking Tets of Philip I go thru my hands over the years, but this recent addition will be staying in my collection for a long time . The example pictured below I sold a little over 2 years ago.
Svaroq, I'm happy to see two of my gems in your collection, both were in my collection a long time . Be sure to keep a copy of my Philip I photo with your records. Coins always photograph better when they're not in slabs . If I can find old photos of the Gordian III Tet I'll send them to you.
edited . I was lucky to find a die match for the obverse from this example sold at Hirsch 284, lot 2939, Sept. 2012. Caracalla AD 198-217 (struck AD 205-207), Antioch Mint: AR Tetradrachm, 27 mm, 11.51 gm, 11 h. Photo courtesy of Coin Archives.
