L. Philippus, 113-112 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.89 g, 12 h), Rome. Head of Philip V of Macedon to right, wearing diademed royal Macedonian helmet adorned with two goat horns; behind, monogram of ROMA; below chin, Φ. Rev. Equestrian statue, holding laurel branch, set to right on raised tablet inscribed L•PHILIPPVS; below horse, a flower; in exergue, mark of value. Babelon (Marcia) 12. Crawford 293/1. RBW 1132. Sydenham 551. A beautifully toned coin with a fine portrait and an excellent pedigree. The reverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.


This is the first Republican coin to portray a historical figure, namely Philip V of Macedon (221-179 BC), who signed a treaty of friendship in 183 BC with the moneyer's ancestor Quintus Marcius Philippus, the consul of 186 BC.