Roman Empire - Emperor Philippus I AR Antoninianus (244 -
During the reign of Philippus, Rome celebrated its th year of existence. Afterwards they imported all kinds of animals for the Games, including elephants. One of this most popular coins! PHILIPPUS I. AD. AR Antoninianus (3.78 g, 22 mm). Minted around AD. IMP PHILIPPVS AVG, halo, laureled, armoured bust/ AETERNITAS AVGG, elephant to the right, with driver with stick. RIC IV 58; Hunter 31; RSC 17Philippus I, the Arab, was head of the Praetorian guard under Gordianus III. He was responsible for the food transport for the Roman legions. He sabotaged it to put Gordianusin a bad light, and hungry,mutinous soldiers killed the emperor. Subsequently, Philippus declared himself emperor, which was endorsed by the Senate. When he sent Trajan Decius to the Danube region to crush a rebellion, he did this so successfully that his troops proclaimed him emperor. Philippus did not accept this and went into battle, which meant his downfall. Read More