Philip I (AD 244-249). AR denarius (21mm, 3.74 gm, 6h). NGC Choice AU S 5/5 - 4/5. Rome, 4th emission, AD 245. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Philip I right, seen from behind / LIBERALITAS AVGG II, Liberalitas standing facing, head left, cornucopia cradled in left hand, coin shaker in right. RIC -, cf. RIC IV.III 38a-b (aureus and antoninianus). Gorgeous toning on perfectly centered strike. Exceptionally rare, as the denarius fell out of regular use during the reign of Gordian III. It became a ceremonial denomination, struck for special occasions, such as the marriage of Gordian III to Tranquillina, and in this case apparently as a souvenir for the largess distributed to the Roman people. Only three total Philip denarii appear in sales archives through the past 20 years - a testament to the rarity of the denomination during this period. There are two Philip aurei in sales archives for this reverse type, and were struck from the same pair of dies. The present denarius does not match either die, so was likely not struck from aureus dies, but instead from dies specifically produced for denarii on this occasion. Also note, the aurei issue shows Liberalitas holding a coin shaker with six holes, which may match this coin as well under magnification. It could be argued there are also six holes on the counter here, but the celator modified the die, or decided not to fully engrave that detail. Fascinating specimen under any circumstances.

HID09801242017

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