Philip I, Antoninianus, silver, reign 244-249 CE, minted 244-249 CE

Philip I, Antoninianus, silver, reign 244-249 CE, minted 244-249 CE, weight 4.2 g, diameter 23 mm. Obverse: Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right; legend IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG. Reverse: Aequitas standing left holding scales in right hand and cornucopia in left; legend AEQVITAS AVGG. Strike: well-centered with complete legends and slight weakness on highest relief points. Toning: uniform light gray with subtle darker peripheral highlights. References: RIC IV Philip I 27. The antoninianus was the principal silver denomination of the mid-third century, introduced a generation earlier by Caracalla and reduced in fineness over succeeding reigns. Issues of Philip I, struck primarily at Rome, continued this trend while funding military obligations on the Danube frontier and public celebrations marking Rome’s millennium in 248 CE. The depiction of Aequitas on the reverse emphasized imperial claims of equitable governance and stable coinage standards during a period of accelerating debasement.