ROMAN REPUBLICAN. L. Philippus. 113-112 B.C. AR denarius. 3.87 gm. 19 mm. Rome mint. Head of Philip V of Macedon right, wearing diademed royal Macedonian helmet with goat's horns; Φ below chin, ROMA monogram behind / Equestrian statue right on tablet inscribed L PHILIPPVS; flower below horse, star (mark of value) in exergue. Crawford 293/1. Sydenham 551. RSC Marcia 12. RBW 1132. Very Fine; attractively toned; three parallel scratches on reverse that look to have been in the flan prior to striking. Interesting historical piece, well designed, and with a good portrait of the king.
This is the first Roman Republican coin to portray a historical figure. Philip V of Macedon (221-179 B.C.) and the moneyer's ancestor Quintus Marcius Philippus (consul in 186 B.C.) signed a treaty of friendship in 183 B.C.