Philip II was the son of Philip who named him co-Augustus just before
he set out to fight the army of Trajan Decius. Philip was only about 10 years
old and when news reached Rome of Decius's victory the boy could do little to
stem the growing momentum against his father's killer. Briefly, he remained sole
emperor but the troops in Rome were no match for the approaching army of Decius,
especially considering that Philip's own captured troops were now fighting
alongside him. As expected, rather than fight a losing battle, the Praetorian
Guard just murdered the boy and avoided the confrontation.
AR Antoninianus 244--247 A.D.
20 mm.
Obv. M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES: Radiate, draped bust right
Rev. IOVI CONSERVAT: Jupiter, naked, standing left with staff and thunderbolt
RSC 13b, C. 13, Van Meter 3
AR Antoninianus 244--247 A.D.
22 mm.
Obv. M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES: Radiate bust right
Rev. PRINCIPI IVVENT: Philip II standing left, in military garb, holding spear and globe