Roman Empire, Provincial coinage. AE 25. Philip II, as co-Augustus under his father Philip I (247- 249 CE). Obverse: Radiate and cuirassed bust left, legend in Greek AYTOK K M IOYLA PhILIPPOS SEB. Reverse: City-goddess seated in tetrastyle (four-column) temple, symbol of Aries above her head, river god swimming at her feet, legend in Greek IOY SEP KOLW NESIBI MET. Sear Greek Imperial 4157. This coin: Pars Coins Bargain eSale 27, lot 122 (October 18, 2024). There's not a lot of accomplishments to list for Philip II, though that's hardly his fault as he was just 12 years old when he died. His father, Philip I, had been head of the Praetorian Guard when Gordian III died on campaign against the Sasanians in 244 (whether Philip I was responsible for the death is disputed), and promptly assumed the throne. He elevated his 7-year-old son Philip II to the rank of Caesar, and in 247 promoted him to co-Augustus. This was a peaceful few years for Rome, and in 247 the co-emperors celebrated the thousand-year anniversary of Rome. But in late 248 and early 249 there were several rebellions along the frontiers, and in September 249 Philip I was killed in battle by Trajan Decius. It is unclear if Philip II died in battle with his father, or if he was murdered afterwards by soldiers loyal to Decius. The city where this coin was issued, Nisibis, was the capital of Roman Mesopotamia and served as a major point of contact between the Roman and Parthian/Sasanian Empires. I bought this coin as my first coin of Philip II, and because its place of origin (on the border between Roman and Persian realms) fits in well with my collection themes. Please post your coins of Philip II, or Nisibis, or whatever else is related.
Here is mine. Philip II (247 - 249 A.D.) NISIBIS (Mesopotamia) Æ25 O: AYTOK K M IOVΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOC CEB. Radiate and cuirassed bust of Philip II left. R: IOY CЄΠ KOΛΩ NЄCIBI MHT. Tyche of Antioch seated facing; above her head, ram (Aries) leaping right, head left; all within tetrastyle shrine; below, half-length river-god Euphrates swimming right. Nisibis mint 11.5g 25mm SNG Copenhagen 240 corr, BMC 22, corr.
Just arrived last week. Philippus II, Silver antoninianus, Rome mint, 247-249 AD. IMP PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind./ LIBERALITAS AVGG III, Philip I and II seated left on sella curulis
