Coins had an extreme significance and a value that was not taken lightly. Unlike in the modern day United States, in ancient Rome new coins were constantly being issued with each new Emperor and generally various coins were issued, not just solely one. Philip I, or as many knew him Philip the Arab, was no different.
In the year 244 AD Philip I became the new Emperor of Rome, and one of his many perks was the issuing of coins in his name. One coin in particular had an obverse inscription of: IMP PHILIPPVS AVG that wrapped around the outer edge of the coin. The image at the center of the coin, which took up most of the entire
Obverse face was Philip I’s portrait, or his radiate, and draped bust right. The inscription is just another form of writing his name. IMP represents “Imperator.” PHILIPPVS represents “Philip I.” AVG represents Augustus. So in essence the inscription means: “Imperator Philip I Augustus.” Emperor Philip I, or Philip the Arab, was an important figure …show more content…
This could only mean there was definitely a millennium style celebration that came along with it. The gazelle, which is displayed on the reverse of this coin, is not simply just a regular animal to be showed at the Ludi Seculares. The gazelle is a native of Africa, and therefore it had to have been imported to Rome for this particular occasion, making it something quite exotic, which was nothing less than adequate for the grandeur style of this celebration. Respectively the most extravagant of celebrations also were the last. By the year 314 AD when Constantine I reigned as Emperor, he banished all secular games because of his Christian beliefs. (Insert