Philip I, 244-249. Antoninianus (Subaeratus, 22 mm, 5.57 g, 3 h), a contemporary plated imitation. Irregular mint, after 245-246. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I to right, seen from behind. Rev. ANNONA AVGG Annona standing front, head to left, holding grain ears in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left; at her feet to left, modius with grain ears. Cf. Cohen 25 and RIC 28c (for prototype). An exceptionally well made and preserved plated imitation struck on a particularly heavy flan. Some minor deposits, otherwise, virtually as struck.


The quality of this ancient plated forgery is remarkable in both artistic and technical aspects. Stylistically, the piece is indistinguishable from the products of the official mint, and the striking was executed so professionally that the mint luster remains visible to this day. Particularly notable is the exceptionally high weight for a plated coin, which significantly exceeds the average for antoniniani of Philip. It is evident that the forgers aimed to avoid detection by ensuring the coin was not underweight, striking it instead on an unusually thick flan.