ROMAN. Philip II. As Caesar, A.D. 244-247. Orichalcum Sestertius (18.49g). Rome mint. Struck A.D. 244-246. M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES, bareheaded and draped bust of Philip II right / PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, S C across field, Philip II as Princeps Iuventutis, in military dress standing left, holding standard in his outstretched right hand and reversed spear in his left. Cohen 62; RIC 258. A very nice example, well centred and sharply struck, with unusually well-preserved detail and an incredible green patina. EF. Very little is recorded about Philip II, but the few facts we have are striking. In the summer of A.D. 244, when he was only about six, his father Philip I the Arab made him Caesar and Princeps Iuventutis as he took the throne. In the following year he held the consulship, and soon after he was raised to Augustus, sharing the imperial title with his father. It did not last; Philip I fell at the Battle of Verona, and the boy emperor was killed in Rome by the Praetorian Guard. The portrait on this coin still shows the softness of his youth, a reminder of just how young he was when it was struck. For the type see; Nomos Auction A1, lot 392, hammered USD 800.

Estimate: AUD 750