{"product_id":"roman-empire-244-249-ad-bi-tetradrachm-mint","title":"ROMAN EMPIRE 244-249 AD BI TETRADRACHM Mint","description":"The **Billon Tetradrachm of Philip I**, struck at the prestigious mint of **Antioch**, is a monumental piece of Roman provincial history. Known as \"Philip the Arab,\" this emperor rose to power on the Eastern frontier, making these large-format tetradrachms a vital tool for paying the legions and stabilizing the Mesopotamian border. Struck in **billon**—a mixture of silver and copper—this coin represents the strategic marriage of Roman imperial authority with the ancient, Greek-influenced traditions of the Levant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e### Obverse: The Imperial Presence\u003cbr\u003eThe obverse features a powerful, realistic portrait of **Philip I** facing right. He is depicted wearing the **laurel wreath**, a symbol of victory and his status as Augustus. Unlike the portraits from the Rome mint, the Antioch style often captures a more rugged, \"soldier-emperor\" aesthetic, highlighting Philip’s thick features and military-cropped hair and beard. The Greek legend *AYTOK K M IOYΛI ΦIΛIΠΠOY CЄB* serves as the local translation of his imperial titles, ensuring his authority was recognized by the Greek-speaking populations of the East.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e### Reverse: The Eagle of Antioch\u003cbr\u003eThe reverse is dominated by the majestic **Eagle**, the sacred bird of Zeus and the enduring symbol of the city of Antioch. The eagle is typically shown standing facing, with its wings spread and its head turned, often holding a **wreath** in its beak. Between the eagle’s legs, the inscription *ANTIOXIA SC* (Antioch, by decree of the Senate) confirms the mint’s location. The eagle was a powerful dual-symbol: to the Romans, it represented the power of the legions; to the locals, it represented the high god of the city, Zeus Kasios.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e### Grade: Very Fine (VF)\u003cbr\u003eGraded **VF (Very Fine)** by NGC, this coin is a robust survivor of the 3rd-century military economy. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*   **Circulation:** In VF condition, the coin shows honest wear consistent with a piece that moved through the hands of merchants and soldiers along the Silk Road. \u003cbr\u003e*   **Detail:** The central motifs remain bold and clear. The feathers of the eagle and the distinct facial features of Philip are well-preserved, and the thick, heavy planchet provides a satisfying \"hand-feel\" that smaller denarii lack.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor the collector, this Antioch Tetradrachm is a bridge between the Roman and Eastern worlds. It captures the image of an emperor from the provinces, striking a massive \"prestige\" coin in a legendary city, preserved in a condition that highlights its role as a workhorse of ancient international trade.","brand":"MID-AMERICAN ANCIENTS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45061391450312,"sku":"080-00530","price":364.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0661\/9902\/7912\/files\/88848254893cdd6caad55c5196fa5ac4.jpg?v=1778441039","url":"https:\/\/oceancityjewelers.com\/products\/roman-empire-244-249-ad-bi-tetradrachm-mint","provider":"Ocean City Jewelers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}