Provincial bronze issue of Philip I “the Arab” (AD 244–249), struck at Antioch in Pisidia between AD 245–247, belongs to the colonial coinage of Asia Minor, where official Roman types were clearly adapted within a local minting context.
The obverse shows a radiate bust of the emperor facing right, with the legend IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS A, representing an abbreviated form of his titulature. The radiate crown indicates a higher denomination within the local monetary system, following iconographic conventions established in the 3rd century AD.
The reverse depicts a legionary eagle (aquila) flanked by two standards, with SR in the exergue and the legend ANTIOCHI COL, referring to the city’s colonial status (Colonia Antiochia). This composition belongs to the standard repertoire of Roman military imagery, widely employed in both imperial and provincial coinage. The eagle symbolized the honor and identity of the legions, while the standards emphasized their organization and structure.
Roman Provincial
Pisidia, Antioch, Phillip I (244-249), AE 245-247
Obverse: radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS A
Reverse: vexillum with eagle between two standards, SR in exergue
ANTIOCHI COL
Diameter 26 mm, weight 8.76 g
