Philip I. AD 244-249. AR Antoninianus (24,5 mm, 3,86 g,). Antioch mint. Struck AD 244. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / PAX FVN-DATA CVM PERSIS, Pax standing facing, head left, holding palm frond and scepter. RIC IV 69; Bland 4; RSC 113. good very fine
This coin is from the first coinage of Philip's reign. At the time, Philip was in the east, fighting against the Sasanians with the emperor Gordian III. Philip was Gordian's Praetorian Prefect, and was proclaimed emperor by the troops when Gordian was killed in the winter of AD 244. Although most sources claim Philip was involved, there is no conclusive evidence. Nonetheless, Philip was compelled to end the hostilities with the Sasanians (known to the Romans as Persians, hence PERSIS), and return to Rome to be formally recognized as emperor. The reverse type on this issue commemorates (or announces) the peace settlement between the two empires, and, although it was not favorable to Rome, the conclusion of the hostilities was celebrated by the Romans.