Antoninianus of Philip I

John Lashmar said he had swopped this Roman coin for some others but he isn’t sure if it is real. Therefore, he asked for my opinion on it.

The coin is a silver antoninianus of Philip I, whose dates are AD 244-49. On the obverse is the radiate head of the emperor facing right and the legend on this side reads IMP M IVL PILIPPVS AVG. On the reverse the standing figure of Felicitas holds a long caduceus and a cornucopia and is accompanied by a P M TR P IIII COS II P P legend.

In volume III of David Sear’s Roman Coins and Their Values this antoninianus is listed as number 8946. The type was struck at Rome during AD 247.

Valuation

The coin is well struck and in close to EF condition. Many third century Roman silver coins have survived in superb condition and it is not particularly unusual for them to grade EF. Therefore, a pre-sale auction estimate on this antoninianus might be no higher than £50-60.

Whether or not John has come out of this deal advantageously depends on the value of the coins he parted with in order to acquire this one. Whatever is the case, this coin looks to me to be perfectly genuine.

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