★ A fine portrait of Philip V of Macedon ★

L. Philippus, 113-112 BC. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.89 g, 1 h), Rome. Head of Philip V of Macedon to right, wearing diademed royal Macedonian helmet adorned with two goat horns; behind, monogram of ROMA; below chin, Φ. Rev. Equestrian statue, holding branch, set to right on raised tablet inscribed PHILIPPVS; below horse, flower; in exergue, star (mark of value). Babelon (Marcia) 12. Crawford 293/1. RBW 1132. Sydenham 551. A lightly toned example with a fine portrait. Very fine.

This is the first Republican coin to portray a historical figure, namely Philip V of Macedon (221-179 BC), who signed a treaty of friendship in 183 BC with the moneyer's ancestor Quintus Marcius Philippus, the consul of 186 BC.