ARABIA, Philippopolis. Divus Julius Marinus. Died circa AD 246/7. Æ (30mm, 6h). Antioch mint. Struck under Philip I, circa AD 247-249. In ANACS encapsulation 6097715, graded Good 4.

Electronic Auction 543
Lot: 354. Estimated: $ 300

Roman Provincial, Bronze

Sold For $ 225. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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ARABIA, Philippopolis. Divus Julius Marinus. Died circa AD 246/7. Æ (30mm, 6h). Antioch mint. Struck under Philip I, circa AD 247-249. Bareheaded bust of Julius Marinus right, slight drapery on far shoulder, supported by eagle standing right, head left, with displayed wings / Roma or Allat seated left, holding two small figures of Philip’s parents on an eagle and spear, with shield at side; S C across field. Butcher, Two, pl. 25, 10; Spijkerman 1; RPC VIII Online 2449; Sofaer 1. In ANACS encapsulation 6097715, graded Good 4. Rare.

The father of Philip I, Julius Marinus hailed from a small town in the province of Arabia (modern day Shuhba, Syria; the original name of the ancient town is unknown). Following the death of Marinus, Philip deified his father and had a temple to him built in his newly aggrandized hometown – now renamed Philippopolis and elevated to the rank of colonia.

The neat fabric of the city’s coins is quite out of place for Arabia. This, combined with die links between the coins of Philippopolis, Zeugma, and Antioch, point to production at a central location, with Antioch being the likeliest candidate.

Closing Date and Time: 2 August 2023 at 11:57:40 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.