Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 8946; Mattingly, H., E.A. Sydenham, C.H. Sutherland, R.A. Carson, The Roman Imperial Coinage 13 vols (London,  Spink, 1923-1994) IV Part 3, p. 69 no. 4 and pl. 5.17; Seaby, H.A., Roman Silver Coins (London, B.A. Seaby, 1967) IV 136;

Toynbee, J.M C. The Art of the Romans (London 1965) pl.18 with note 245. 

1966.60

Antoninianus of Philip I

3.981 g. AD 247

Obv.: Bust of Philip, r., radiate, draped, cuirassed, short hair and beard. IMP(erator) M(arcus) IVL(ius) PHILIPPVS AVG(ustus).

Rev.: Felicitas standing l., draped, with a cornucopiae in left hand and a caduceus (herald's staff) in her right. P(ontifex) M(aximus) TR(ibunicia) P(otestate) IIII CO(n)S(ul) II P(ater) P(atriae).

Minted at Rome.

Philip I (‘the Arab’) became emperor in AD 244 (by the murder of Gordian III). His fourth conferment of tribunician power gives the date of 247. His second consulship also fell in this year.

‘Felicity’ on the reverse is probably a general reference to the (claimed) prosperity of the reign. But in AD 248 Philip celebrated magnificently the 1000th anniversary of the foundation of Rome.

Cf. the portrait bust of Philip illustrated in Toynbee (1965).

Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 8946; Mattingly, H., E.A. Sydenham, C.H. Sutherland, R.A. Carson, The Roman Imperial Coinage 13 vols (London, Spink, 1923-1994) IV Part 3, p. 69 no. 4 and pl. 5.17; Seaby, H.A., Roman Silver Coins (London, B.A. Seaby, 1967) IV 136;

Toynbee, J.M C. The Art of the Romans (London 1965) pl.18 with note 245.