This is the reverse face of an ancient Roman bronze sestert…

By Anonymous · published 29 Oct 2026

This is the reverse face of an ancient Roman bronze sestert… (Photo 2)

AI interpretation, unverified

SUMMARY

This is the reverse face of an ancient Roman bronze sestertius struck under Emperor Philip I (the Arab) and his son Philip II (c. 247–248 CE), commemorating an imperial distribution of money (donative) to the citizens or troops.

WRITING SYSTEM

Latin alphabet (Roman epigraphic capital script)

LANGUAGE

Latin

TEXT

LIBERALITAS AVGG [II / III] S C

TRANSLITERATION

LIBERALITAS AVGG (Augustorum) [II / III] / S(enatus) C(onsulto)

TRANSLATION

The imperial generosity of the two Augusti [for the second / third time]; by decree of the Senate.

CONTEXT

This is an official Roman imperial bronze coin (sestertius), minted in Rome around 247–248 CE. The scene depicts the co-emperors Philip I and his young son Philip II seated side-by-side on curule chairs (sellae curules) facing left, both extending their right hands in the gesture of imperial largesse (Liberalitas / congiarium). Philip II was elevated to co-Augustus in 247 CE, leading to the plural title 'AVGG'. Liberalitas II was distributed in 247 CE upon his promotion, and Liberalitas III occurred in 248 CE during Rome's millennium celebrations (Ludi Saeculares).

CONFIDENCE

High

CAVEATS

• Location basis: GPS coordinates stored in the photo (EXIF). • The coin in the photo is oriented tilted counter-clockwise: the exergue with 'S C' is located at roughly the 7 o'clock position, and the two seated emperors face toward 10–11 o'clock. • The numeral following 'AVGG' at the bottom right is partially worn; parallel types exist for both 'II' (RIC IV Philip I 267) and 'III' (RIC IV Philip I 268). • EXIF coordinates place the photograph in Espoo, Finland; as an ancient Roman coin minted in Rome, this reflects modern collection, transport, or display rather than original findspot provenance.