Obverse: M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip II right

Reverse: PRINCIPI IVVENT, Philip II standing left, holding globe and reversed spear; captive at feet left.

RIC 219; RSC 57 [Rome, AD 247].

Diameter: 22 mm. Weight: 4.1 g

A beautiful silver antoninianus of Philip II struck in Rome in AD 247 when the young Caesar was just 10 years old. The reverse shows the young Caesar Ancient historians say that Philip the Arab and Philip II were both killed in battle by Trajan Decius in AD 249. Modern historians say that when news of Philip the Arab's death reached Rome, Philip II was murdered by the Praetorian Guard aged just twelve. An attractive example with sharp details and areas of iridescent toning.