PHILIP I Ancient Roman Provincial AE26 Iuliopolis Bithynia Asclepius-Rare

BITHYNIA, Iuliopolis. Philip I "the Arab" (AD 244–249) AE26

Up for auction/sale is a very rare and highly sought-after Roman Provincial bronze coin struck under Emperor Philip I at the mint of Iuliopolis in Bithynia.

This specific type is highly coveted by collectors of ancient medical themes, as it depicts the complete healing triad: Asclepius (god of medicine), his daughter Hygieia (goddess of health), and the dwarf hooded genius of recovery, Telesphorus.

Important Pedigree Note

This exact coin is the published plate specimen used to illustrate the type on the official Roman Provincial Coinage Online database. It was previously offered by Timeline Auctions (Auction 174, Lot 3316). Having an explicit database illustration adds permanent, undeniable pedigree and definitive authenticity to the piece.

Coin Specifications

• Weight: 9.32 g

• Diameter: 26 mm

• Obverse : Μ ΙΟΥΛΙΟϹ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟϹ ΑΥΓ. Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust of Philip I to the right, seen from behind. Note the clear centration dimple as struck from the ancient flan preparation.

• Reverse : ΙΟΥΛΙΟΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ. Hygieia standing right, feeding a serpent from a patera, facing Asclepius standing left, leaning on a serpent-entwined staff; between them at their feet stands the small figure of Telesphorus. Features a matching central dimple.

References & Rarity

• RPC Online: Volume VIII, Unassigned ID 71078 (This actual coin is the plate example).

• Condition: Near Very Fine, with a lovely dark, stable olive-green to black patina and completely legible city legends (ΙΟΥΛΙΟΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ).