The Roman Provincial bimetallic billon tetradrachm of the mid-3rd century AD represents a fascinating response to the empire’s deepening monetary crisis during the tumultuous reigns spanning the period from Gordian III through the Gallienic emperors. Struck primarily in Alexandria and other eastern mints, these large-denomination coins combined increasingly debased silver with copper to maintain the appearance and weight of traditional tetradrachms. This Roman Provincial coin earned a Choice About Uncirculated grade from the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Today, the Roman Provincial Philip II BI Tetradrachm is available from JM Bullion.

Coin Highlights:

• Comes with an individual plastic slab!
• Produced by a Roman province in the mid-3rd century AD!
• Issued during the rule of Philip II!
• Struck in Antioch in modern-day Syria!
• Choice About Uncirculated NGC Ancient certification!
• Contains a silver-copper alloy.
• Bust of Philip II on the obverse.
• Eagle or other design element on the reverse.
• Please note that the coins in this listing may vary slightly in appearance, condition, and specific design.

During the brief reign of Philip II as Caesar and later Augustus (244-249 AD), billon tetradrachms struck in his name circulated primarily throughout the eastern provinces, particularly in Alexandria, where the traditional tetradrachm denomination maintained strong regional preference. These coins were issued both during his time as heir apparent under his father Philip I (Philip the Arab) and during his short period as co-emperor before both were killed in 249 AD. The tetradrachms of Philip II provide important numismatic evidence of his legitimization as successor and the dynasty’s attempt to establish stability during the chaotic mid-3rd century.

This Roman Provincial Philip II BI Tetradrachm Coin is in Choice About Uncirculated condition. The Romans referred to this type of bimetallic coin as a billon coin. Billon coins from the Roman era were debased silver coins that were struck using a man-made alloy of silver with the majority of the coin’s weight coming from a base metal, typically copper. This coin was struck in Antioch, in modern-day Syria, and boasts a natural patina with enduring visual character.

Roman Provincial BI Tetradrachms from the reign of Philip II typically featured his youthful portrait on the obverse, often bare-headed or laureate, with Greek legends identifying him as Caesar or Augustus, depending on the date. The reverse designs frequently employed traditional Alexandrian iconography, including eagles, the Serapeum, personifications of Roma or Alexandria, and various Egyptian deities adapted to Greco-Roman religious syncretism. The artistic quality varied considerably depending on mint and die-cutter, but generally showed the simplified, somewhat crude style characteristic of mid-3rd century provincial coinage.

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