Philip II AE Sestertius AD 247-249 *smoothing* Ch F

Sestertius means “two and a half” in Latin, in reference to its value being worth two and a half asses. By extension, four sestertii were equivalent to one denarius. In the Roman Republic, the sestertius was a small silver coin. In the Roman Empire, it was a large brass coin.

Philip II was the son of Philip the Arabian. In 244, when Philip was 7 years old, his father became emperor and appointed him caesar. In 247, when he was just 10, his father made him co-emperor. Philip died in 249 of unclear circumstances - some believe he was killed with his father in battle against Decius, who would become the next emperor, and others say he was killed by the Praetorian Guard upon receiving news of his father’s death.

This coin was graded Ch F (Choice Fine) by the Numismatic Grading Company, the official grading service of the American Numismatic Association and the Professional Numismatists Guild. Here is a list of grades used by the NGC, as well as information about Strike, Surface, and Style ratings. This coin has smoothing, meaning the surface has been ground down to smooth out rough areas.

Obverse: IMP M IVL PHILLIPVS AVG, laureate and draped bust right

Reverse: LIBERALITAS AVGG III S C, Philip I and Philip II seated left on curule chairs

Reference: RCV 9279, RIC IV Philip II 267a