IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / P M TR P VI COS P P, Philip I standing left, sacrificing over altar and holding sceptre. 23mm, 3.68 grams. Rome mint, minted 249 CE. RIC 79a; RSC 156.

Philip the Arab (Marcus Julius Philippus, c. 204–249 CE) was a Roman emperor who ruled the Roman Empire from 244 to 249 CE. Born in the province of Arabia Petraea near the city of Shahba, he rose through the military ranks and became emperor after the death of Gordian III during a campaign against the Sasanian Empire. Philip quickly made peace with the Persians and returned to Rome, where his reign is best remembered for celebrating the millennium of the city in 248 CE, marking the supposed 1,000th anniversary of Rome with grand games and festivities. His rule ended when the general Decius revolted and defeated him in battle in 249 CE.