Obverse: IMP PHILIPPVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I facing right.

Reverse: SAECVLARES AVGG, Lion walking right, officina mark I in ex.

RIC: 12. Sear: 8956. [Rome, AD 248].

Diameter: 22 mm. Weight: 3.4 g.

The first coin in the remarkable series struck for Philip I and his family, to commemorate Rome's thousandth birthday, and the Saecular Games held in the Colosseum. According to ancient accounts the festivities were spectacular, with over a thousand gladiators participating, and hundreds of wild beasts slain. This series depicts some of the beasts destined for the arena, in this case a lion.