PISIDIA. Antiochia. Philip I, 244-249. 'Dupondius' (Bronze, 26 mm, 11.22 g, 7 h), 244. IMP N IVL PHILIPPVS P F AVG P M Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I to right (with features of Gordian III). Rev. CAES ANTIOCH C/OL Vexillum inscribed COL and surmounted by eagle between two signa surmounted by eagles. BMC 122A (same dies). RPC VIII online ID 3290. SNG Paris 1277 corr. (same obverse die, but misdescribed as Philip II). Some deposits and with a die break on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.


This obverse die (Krzyżanowska no. I), which was extensively used with a large number of reverse types and dies, was incorrectly attributed both by Krzyżanowska and by E. Levante (SNG France 3) to Philip II as Augustus. However, the title P M (Parthicus Maximus) proves that this is the earliest die used at Antioch for Philip I, the youthful features undoubtedly being a reflection of those of his predecessor, Gordian III, a phenomenon often observed in Roman coinage.