Ave!

Philip II, Antoninianus, Saeculares, Extremely Rare Hybrid, Look!

Silver alloy; 23mm/3.4gm     Antioch mint, ca 248 AD

Con/ Very Fine; sharp strikes on both sides, complete and crisp legends, mint luster

Obv/ IMP M IVL PHILLIPVS AVG; rad. and dr. bust r., as seen from behind

Rev/ SAECVLARES AVGG; cippus inscribed COS/III in two lines

Ref/ RIC Vol 4c, ???

Seller's Note/ A cippus was a stone pillar, usually set beside roads or in public places, on which Senatorial and Imperial proclamations were engraved; served as an ancient "bill-board."

The reverse legend 'SAECVLARES', the passing of a human generation. In ancient Rome, the Ludi Novae Saeculares (“Games of the New Age”), was a major celebration that was supposed to be held on every 100-year anniversary of the city’s founding on April 21, 753 BCE. The last time the Ludi Saeculares was held was in 248 CE by the emperor Philip I (“The Arab”, 244-249) to mark the 1,000th anniversary of the establishment of Rome. He welcomed the festivities because it distracted the public from the troubles plaguing the Roman Empire. Barbarians were constantly attacking the borders, and usurpers were popping up all over the Empire.

This reverse type is only published on coins of Philip I at Rome. Many new Antioch mint coins from the time of Philip I have come to light over the past few years, especially with types previously only known at Rome. It is likely that this reverse type was used at Antioch on coins of Philip I (none of which have yet come to light), and this coin is a hybrid with a Philip II obverse. Such hybrids are not unusual in this period. Extremely Rare!

In an earlier acution, CNG 64, Lot: 1181. Closing Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2003. Estimate $150 Sold For $700!