Coin Roman Empire Philip II - Antoninianus, Prince of Youth - 246 Rome

Obverse: M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES

Reverse: PRINCIPI I-VVENT

On the reverse, Philip II is depicted standing, facing left, in military attire. He holds in his right hand a globe, symbol of Rome's universal dominion, and in his left hand a reversed spear, an attribute of military command. At his feet, to the left, a prostrate captive is represented, evoking the submission of Rome's enemies.

Philip II, born around 238, was associated with imperial power by his father Philip I as early as 244, the year the latter acceded to the throne following the death of Gordian III. He was elevated to the rank of Augustus in 247, officially sharing the imperial dignity with his father. This issue is part of a context of dynastic legitimation: the martial representation of the young prince aimed to assert his authority over the army and the Roman people.

The reign of Philip I was marked by strong pressure on the borders, particularly from the Sassanid Persians to the east and the Germanic peoples on the Danube. The Empire was also going through a period of political, military and economic instability characteristic of the Crisis of the Third Century. The representation of the captive on the reverse thus carries a strong symbolic dimension, affirming the military power of the Philippian dynasty in a particularly difficult context for Rome.