Philip, 244-249, Antoninianus

Philip I, Antoninianus, AR, reign AD 244–249, Rome mint, AD 244–249, 3.41 g, 22 mm. Obverse: radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I right; legend IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG. Reverse: Annona standing left, holding grain-ears and cornucopia, with modius at feet; legend ANNONA AVGG. Well-centred strike with clear legends and principal devices; minor surface marks consistent with circulation. RIC IV Philip I 28c.

The ANNONA AVGG reverse type advertises the grain supply and the provisioning of the city of Rome, an essential element of imperial legitimacy during the mid-third century. Under Philip I, whose rule followed the death of Gordian III and coincided with ongoing military pressures and fiscal strain, such issues communicated continuity of state administration and the emperors’ responsibility for food distributions and market stability.