|
|
|
ANCIENT ROMAN PHILIP I SILVER COIN PENDANT IN 14K YELLOW GOLD 244 - 249 A.D. This is a large genuine ancient Roman silver antoninianus coin of the emperor Philip I and was minted between 244 and 249 A.D.. It features superb detail and preservation as well as possesses a well-centered strike of the die when originally hand minted. It has been mounted in a simple high-polished 14 karat yellow gold bezel pendant setting. The pendant shows 4 tabs on the back holding the coin in so it is not designed to be worn on both sides but the reverse of the coin can be seen and shows a beautiful depiction of the Roman goddess ANNONA which was the goddess of the annual farming harvest production. She is shown standing holding a cornucopia in one arm and the other hand holding ears of corn. This wonderful genuine ancient Roman coin pendant hails from a turbulent time of the Roman Empire and its fine detail demonstrates the art and dress of the period. Very little historical writing is known detailing the short five year reign of Philip I, born as Marcus Julius Philippus. It is believed he was born during the reign of Septimius Severus and comes from the Roman province of Arabia, in what today is the village of Shahba, roughly 55 miles south-southeast of Damascus, Syria. To elevate the honor of his birthplace, Philip renamed the village Philippopolis and embarked on a major building campaign there once he was proclaimed emperor. Not much is known of Philip's father other than he was named Julius Marinus. From the name, one can tell that Philip's father was a Roman citizen and because of the obscurity of the village, must have been locally prominent since Roman citizenship was rare in small remote towns that fell under the rule of the Empire. Philip's mother is not known in history. Most likely near 230 A. D., Philip married Marcia Otacilia Severa who bore them a son on 238 A.D. and named him Marcus Julius Severus Philippus. Philip set out early on with crafting a peace treaty with the Persians which allowed him to focus on his war with the tribes in the Danube region of northern Europe. In 248 A.D., Decius, Philip's city prefect was dispatched by Philip to the Danube region of Europe, would prove to be a huge mistake. The military was getting restless in their struggles with the Danubian tribes they were fighting when Decius arrived. Wishing for decisive rule from Philip and decisive victories, Decius gave to them what Philip could not. On July 249 A.D., Decius was proclaimed emperor by his legions after killing self-proclaimed emperor Marinus and thwarting a rebellion by legions under Marinus on the Danube River. Decius was popular with the soldiers because of this victory. When news of this reached Philip, he rode with his army to meet his challenger but was killed in battle against Decius in battle near Verona in Italy. Decius then put to death Philip's son to claim sole title of Emperor of Rome. Decius was quickly accepted as emperor after his predecessor's death. He returned to Rome and initiated several building projects. This is also when he adopted the surname "Trajan" in memory of the much revered emperor who had expanded Rome to its largest size ever. The middle to late third century A.D. was a particularly turbulent time in Roman history. The half-century from 235 to 284 A.D. is known as the period of the "Barracks Emperors". During this time, there were 34 regular emperors and at least 50 usurpers. Of this number, only two died of natural causes, the rest falling victim to violent deaths, many being assassinated by their own troops. The longest lasting emperors were successful generals, mainly of provincial and non-aristocratic stock, vying for the loyalty of the troops with promises of money. Civil war and the plague ravaged the countryside. Half the population of the slums of Alexandria perished from the illness. At one point, 5000 people A DAY died in Rome! Overall diameter is approximately .85 inch or about between the size of a U.S. nickel and quarter. CPR139 SOLD COMES WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY / HISTORY SHEET *** shown with optional CHAIN B, not included |
|
Add a gold chain to make this piece ready to wear! click here to see the gold chains |
|
375 |
