Antoninianus - Philippus I (VIRTVS AVG; Virtus) (244-247) front Antoninianus - Philippus I (VIRTVS AVG; Virtus) (244-247) back
Antoninianus - Philippus I (VIRTVS AVG; Virtus) (244-247) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Antoninianus - Philippus I VIRTVS AVG; Virtus

 
Silver 4.2 g 22.5 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Philip I (Marcus Iulius Philippus) (244-249)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
244-247
Value
Antoninianus (1)
Currency
Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301)
Composition
Silver
Weight
4.2 g
Diameter
22.5 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#282129
Rarity index
93%

Reverse

Virtus, draped, seated, on cuirass, left, holding branch in right hand and spear in left hand; shield sometimes behind cuirass.

Script: Latin

Lettering: VIRTVS AVG

Translation:
Virtus Augusti.
Courage of the emperor.

Comment

Mass varies: 3.66–5.22 g;
Diameter varies: 21.4–24 mm;

Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)

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 the image of a Roman emperor wearing a beard. This was a significant departure from the traditional clean-shaven image of Roman emperors and marked a shift towards a more militaristic and rugged image. The coin's design was meant to convey the emperor's strength and virtus (virtue), which was an important quality for Roman leaders at the time.