Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 121 6-8 Oct 2022
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ARABIA, Philippopolis. Divus Julius Marinus. Died before AD 244. Æ (24mm, 9.16 g, 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 with displayed wings / Roma or Allat standing left, holding patera and spear, with shield at side; S C across field. Butcher, Two, pl. 25, 11; Spijkerman 2; RPC VIII Online 2243; Sofaer 2. Dark brown patina with earthen highights, even light roughness. VF. Excellent for issue.
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.
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.