436, Lot: 656. Estimate $150. Sold for $575. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Philip I. AD 244-249. AR Antoninianus (22mm, 3.97 g, 6h). Ludi Saeculares (Secular Games) issue, commemorating the 1000th anniversary of Rome. Antioch mint. Struck AD 247-248. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / AETERNITAS AVGG, Elephant walking left, guided by mahout, holding goad and wand. RIC IV –; Bland Study 19; RSC 17 var. (obv. legend). Near EF.

From the William Whetstone Collection.

According to the Dr. Roger Bland’s study on Philip I and family, “The elephant symbolizes eternity and the reverse legend applies it to the Imperial family. Elephants were probably brought in as part of the celebration for the Secular games.”