AD 244-249 Roman Provincial Philip I Billon Tetradrachm NGC Extremely Fine

Philip I, known as Philip the Arab, ruled the Roman Empire from AD 244 to 249 during one of the most tumultuous centuries in Roman history. Born in Shahba in the province of Arabia Petraea, he rose to power as Praetorian prefect under Gordian III before ascending to the imperial throne. This billon tetradrachm was struck at Antioch, the important provincial mint in Syria that served as a gateway between Roman and Eastern commerce. The coin is certified by NGC Ancients with an Extremely Fine grade.

The obverse displays a laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Philip I facing right, with the Greek legend AVTOK K M IOVΛ ΦIΛIΠΠOC CEB surrounding the portrait. The reverse features a boldly rendered eagle standing with wings spread, holding a wreath in its beak, accompanied by the legend ΔHMAPX EXOYCIAC YΠATO and ANTIOXIA S C in the exergue below. The eagle motif represents Roman imperial authority while the civic designation identifies Antioch as the issuing mint.

This example displays well-defined portrait details with even wear across the high points and attractive surfaces consistent with the assigned grade. The reverse eagle retains strong feather definition in the wing and body, with clearly legible legends. Provincial tetradrachms from Philip I's brief reign remain popular among collectors of Roman Provincial coinage, particularly those seeking affordable examples of third-century imperial portraiture from Eastern mints.

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