Antoninianus of Philip I

This coin came in on 23 April. It had just been found by Oliver Jackson, who wanted a full ID and a valuation.

The coin is a silver antoninianus of Philip I, whose dates are AD 244 to 249. There is a radiate head on the obverse and a legend reading IMP M IVL PHILLIPVS AVG around the radiate head of the emperor. Interestingly, the letter M is made up of four uprights. On the reverse the standing figure of Felicitas holds a caduseus and a cornucopia and is accompanied by a legend reading P M TR P IIII COS II P P.

In volume III of Roman Coins and Their Values this type is listed as number 8946; it was struck at Rome during AD 247.

Most silver coins of Philip I are not scarce, so they can be bought for relatively low prices. However, this specimen is in superb condition. It has been in the soil for close to 1,800 years but is unmarked and looks to be as fresh as it was when it left the Rome mint in AD 247.

Valuation

The stunning condition of this coin of Philip I is not particularly unusual for this emperor. Specimens in near mint condition can sometimes be bought from dealers for under £100. The reason for this seemingly low price range is that lots of coins of this emperor have managed to avoid the ravages of time. Leading on from this, if there is a ready supply of specimens in the highest grades of preservation then selling prices will remain low.

So, Oliver’s find will not be worth a great deal in monetary terms. This, though, does not detract from the fact that it is a truly magnificent detecting find.

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