Particularly attractive antoninianus of Philip I “the Arab” (AD 244–249), struck at the Rome mint in AD 248, forming part of a precisely datable commemorative issue connected with the celebration of the Ludi Saeculares. The festivities of that year held exceptional importance, as they coincided with the millennium of Rome’s foundation (ab urbe condita 753 BC). Ancient literary evidence, including Zosimus (Historia Nova II, 1–2), confirms the organization of grand spectacles, sacrifices, and exhibitions of exotic animals brought from across the empire.
The obverse presents a radiate bust of the emperor facing right, with the legend IMP PHILIPPVS AVG, representing the standard titulature of Philip. The radiate crown identifies the denomination as an antoninianus, which by the mid-3rd century had become the principal silver coin, despite its progressively reduced intrinsic value.
The reverse shows an antelope standing left, accompanied by the legend SAECVLARES AVGG and the numeral VI in the exergue, indicating the sixth officina of the Roman mint. The allocation of specific animal types to individual workshops is firmly established through die studies and production analysis, with the antelope (often identified as a gazelle or ibex) consistently assigned to officina VI within this series.
The legend SAECVLARES AVGG refers to the joint rule of Philip I and his son, Philip II, who was elevated to co-emperor in AD 248 and incorporated into the ideological framework of the jubilee celebrations. In numismatic terms, this provides clear evidence of the deliberate emphasis on dynastic continuity and the symbolic transition into a new era.
The millennium series includes a diverse range of animal representations—lion, deer, antelope, elk, hippopotamus, elephant, and the she-wolf with twins—corroborated both by surviving coinage and by written accounts describing the spectacles staged during the games. Their selection directly reflects the animals exhibited in these ceremonial events.
From a numismatic standpoint, these issues constitute one of the most systematically organized antoninianus series of the 3rd century, distinguished by clear officina marks and a coherent iconographic program.
Beautifully preserved specimen, retaining full detail and remarkable mint freshness.
Roman Imperial
Philip I (244-249), Antoninianus 248, Rome mint
Obverse: radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
IMP PHILIPPVS AVG
Reverse: antelope standing left, VI in exergue
SAECVLARES AVGG
Diameter 23 mm, weight 4.34 g
