Antoninianus - Philippus I SPES FELICITATIS ORBIS; Spes
| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Philip I (Marcus Iulius Philippus) (244-249) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 244-246 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#282150 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Spes, draped, advancing left, holding flower in right hand and raising skirt with left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: SPES FELICITATIS ORBIS
Translation:
Spes Felicitatis Orbis.
The hope for world happiness.
Comment
Source:Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin was introduced by the Roman Emperor Philip I (also known as Philippus I) in 244 AD, and it was the first coin to feature a Christian symbol, the Chi-Rho monogram, which represents the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ (Χριστός). This symbol was placed on the coin's reverse side, surrounded by the words "SPES FELICITATIS ORBIS" (Hope of the World's Happiness). This coin marked a significant shift in Roman imperial ideology, as it signaled the beginning of Christianity's rise to dominance in the Roman Empire.
