★ Extremely Rare Aureus ★

PHILIP I 'THE ARAB' (244–249). GOLD Aureus. Rome.

Obv: IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG.
Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: LAET FVNDATA.
Laetitia standing left, holding wreath and rudder set on globe.

RIC 35a; Calicó 3249a.

Attractive, well struck and centered. Philip I, called 'the Arab' because of his origin, was the first emperor from that area. Although he came from a humble family, he embarked on a brilliant career that led him to become prefect of the praetorium in 243. At this time he was suspected of the murder of Timesiteus, the previous prefect to the praetorium, and of the emperor himself. But upon the death of Gordian III, the troops appointed him augustus. Philip then decided to go immediately to Rome to pay homage to the Senate, after paying a large sum to the Persians, reaching an agreement beneficial to Rome and ending the war. He also named his seven-year-old son a prince, thus destining him to the throne as his successor. Initially Philip had to deal with the invasion of Dacia by the Carpians, which he succeeded in defeating in 247, obtaining the title 'Carpicus Maximus' and a triumph in Rome. On that occasion he appointed his son as Augustus, thus bringing the principality to the form of a diarchy, as in the days of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, or more recently Pupienus and Balbinus. In 248, Rome's Millennial year, Philip and his son organized games and performances to celebrate the 'Aeternitas' of the Urbe. Especially for these celebrations he went down in history, as well as being remembered by some as the first Christian emperor because he did not promote persecution toward Christians. This was probably due more to his tolerance and because of the comparison with his successor (Decius), who was particularly harsh toward them. The throne was soon threatened by several usurpers. First Silbannacus from the Rhine region, then Pacatian in Moesia or Pannonia, Iotapian in Syria or Cappadocia, and finally Sponsianus acclaimed emperor in the area of present-day Transylvania. All these attempts were repulsed by Philip, who made the mistake, however, of entrusting the troops of Mesia and Pannonia to Trajan Decius, who proved to be a much more capable general and brought the troops to his side. Thus, having defeated the Goths, Decius was acclaimed augustus by the soldiers but hastened to reassure the emperor that he would not usurp the throne. The emperor, fearful of seeing his dynastic designs fade, did not trust the general and it came to the decisive clash at Verona, where Philip and his son died.

Condition: Extremely fine.

Weight: 4.34 g.
Diameter: 20 mm.