Philip II, as Caesar AD 244-246. Rome
Antoninianus AR

24 mm, 4,04 g

M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / PRINCIPI IVVENT, Philip II, in military attire, standing right, holding globe in right hand and holding transverse spear in left.

Good Very Fine

RIC 216c.

Philip II, also known as Philip the Younger, was the son and heir of the Roman Emperor Philip the Arab and Marcia Otacilia Severa. When his father ascended to the throne in AD 244, Philip II was merely seven years old and was appointed as caesar, a title signifying his role as the designated successor to the emperor. In AD 247, at the age of ten, Philip II became consul, an esteemed position in the Roman government. Later, his father elevated him to the rank of augustus, making him a co-ruler alongside Philip the Arab. During their joint reign, a significant event occurred—the celebration of the thousandth anniversary of the founding of Rome. To mark this milestone, grand games and spectacles were organized for the festivities. However, the reign of Philip II and his father faced challenges. According to ancient historians, both Philip the Arab and Philip II were killed in battle by Decius in AD 249. Modern historians, however, provide a different account, suggesting that when news of Philip the Arab's death reached Rome, Philip II was murdered by the Praetorian Guard at the tender age of twelve.