PHILIP I THE ARAB
AD 244-249
AR Antoninianus. 4.5g, 22.5mm
MINTED: Rome mint, AD 244-249
REF: RIC 8; Cohen 98
OBVERSE: IMP PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
REVERSE: NOBILITAS AVGG, Nobilitas standing right, holding scepter and globe; ς (officina) in left field.
 
Grade/Notes: 
Very Fine. Lightly toned.
Part of an interesting series using Greek letters as officina marks on reverse.
 
Historical Notes:
Philip I is commonly known as 'the Arab' for being born to the family of a nobleman in the province of Arabia Petraea.  He was appointed Praetorian Prefect in 243, and when the young emperor Gordian III was killed the following year while on campaign against the Persians, Philip went on to claim the throne.  A number of sources implicate Philip in the death of Gordian.  Ironically, it was this 'foreign' emperor who presided over the celebration of the 1000th anniversary of Rome's founding in 248.