Silver Double-Denarius - Ancient Rome, c. 244-249 AD.
Philip I - Augustus.
Obv: Radiate bust of Emperor, right.
Rev: LAETIT FUNDAT - Laetitia standing left, with wreath & anchor
Sear-R8935, 22 mm, 4.38 gm.
Fine portrait, well struck and centered.
Marcus Julius Philippus (c. 204 – 249), commonly known as Philip the Arab or Philippus I Arabus, was Roman Emperor from 244 to 249. He came from Syria, and rose to become a major figure in the empire. Philip achieved power after the death of Gordian III, quickly negotiating peace with the Persian empire.
In 243, during Gordian III's campaign against Shapur I of Persia, the Praetorian prefect Timesitheus died under unclear circumstances. At the suggestion of his brother Priscus, Philip became the new Praetorian prefect, with the intention that the two brothers would control the young Emperor and rule the Roman world as unofficial regents. Following a military defeat, Gordian III died in 244 under circumstances that are still debated. While some claim that Philip conspired in his murder, other accounts (including one coming from the Persian point of view) state that Gordian died in battle. Whatever the case, Philip assumed the purple following Gordian's death.
During Philip's reign Rome celebrated its millennium. Among early Christian writers Philip had the reputation of being sympathetic to the Christian faith. It was even claimed that he converted to Christianity, becoming the first Christian emperor, but this is disputed. Philip was overthrown and killed in 249 AD following a rebellion led by his successor Trajan Decius.
