Roman Empire. Philip I (AD 244-249). Sestertius r/ Liberalitas Avgg II. Liberalitas standing left, holding abacus and cornucopiae. (Ingen reservasjonspris)

PHILIP I. 244-249 AD. Æ Sestertius (29.5mm, 18.44 gm). Struck circa 247-248 AD. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Liberalitas standing left, holding abacus and cornucopiae. RIC IV 180(a); Cohen 88. VF

The reverse legend LIBERALITAS AVGG II indicates that this coin commemorates a distribution of imperial largess, and was issued sometime after Philip II had been made Augustus in 247 AD, though RIC IV (pg. 64) mistakenly assigns it to 245 AD. While the earlier LIBERALITAS AVGG may have been struck specifically for the younger Philip's investiture in that year, our coin may have been struck later that year, to commemorate the elder Philip's victory over the Carpi and his return to the capital for Rome's millenial anniversary. Distributions also occurred during those celebrations; thus this coin may have been issued then for that purpose.