Silver tetradrachm of Philip I (244-249), 248, Antioch, Roman Provincial coins (Pr.439)

AYTOK K M IOVΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOV CEB, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right / ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞΟΥϹΙΑϹ ΥΠΑ ΤΟ Δ, ΑΝΤΙΟΧΙΑ, S C; eagle standing right, spreading wings, holding wreath in beak. 27mm, 12.25 grams. Antioch mint, minted c.248 CE. Prieur 439; McAlee 936a-b.

Philip I the Arab (c. 204–249 CE) was Roman emperor from 244 to 249 CE, during the turbulent Crisis of the Third Century. Born in Arabia Petraea (modern-day Syria or Jordan), he rose through the military ranks and became emperor after the death of Gordian III, likely through a combination of military support and political maneuvering. Philip sought to stabilize the empire, negotiated peace with the Sassanid Persians, and is notable for celebrating Rome’s 1,000th anniversary (in 248 CE) with grand festivities. His reign saw relative peace but ongoing pressures along the frontiers and growing internal instability. Philip is sometimes (though controversially) suggested to have shown some favor toward Christianity, though he remained officially pagan. In 249 CE, he was defeated and killed in battle by his rival Decius, ending his brief reign.