Philip I, 244-249. Aureus (Gold, 20 mm, 4.40 g, 12 h), Rome, 245. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I to right, seen from behind. Rev. LIBERALITAS AVGG II Liberalitas standing front, head to left, holding counting-board in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left. Bland 13l (PI 15/Liberalitas 01). Calicó 3252. Cohen 86. RIC 38a. Very rare. An attractive, superb and lustrous coin. Tiny die breaks and with minor die rust on the reverse, otherwise, good extremely fine.


This beautiful aureus of Philip I, often known as Philip the Arab, was struck in 245, shortly after he concluded a peace treaty with the Sasanian king Shapur I. While some contemporaries considered the treaty shameful, it was likely a pragmatic decision: although the Romans lost control of Armenia, they retained the recently conquered territories of Osrhoene and Mesopotamia.

Following the treaty, Philip set out for Rome to confirm his accession and to prevent any usurpers from gaining imperial legitimacy. Once there, he was promptly recognized by the Senate and began a relatively stable five-year reign. His time in power saw little disruption either on the frontiers or within the empire. To secure the succession, Philip named his son with Otacilia Severa, Philip II, as Caesar.

Philip’s and Otacilia’s religious beliefs remain a matter of scholarly debate. Some historians view Philip as Rome’s first Christian emperor, citing his cessation of persecutions and his intervention to save the Antiochene bishop, Saint Babylas, from execution.

The reverse of this rare aureus features the goddess Liberalitas, holding a counting board in her right hand and a caduceus in her left. The legend LIBERALITAS AVGG II refers to Philip’s second congiarium - a public distribution of money - intended to secure the favor and loyalty of the Roman people. All gold coinage of Philip is rare, and this particular piece stands out for its exceptional detail and luster.