TYPE Roman Empire, Philip I (244-9 AD), silver antoninianius, 3.23g, struck 248 AD DESCRIPTION . Obv: Radiate head of Philip to right Rev: Lion walking right, legend SAECVLARES AVGG, I in ex. REFERENCE: RSC 173, VM 37/1 GRADING: VF+ / AEF, typical light porosity, scarce ORDER INFO: R1562, $130 A popular type from the "Saeculares" series, issued in conjunction with celebrations on the occasion of Rome's millenium in 248 AD, at which time a new era (or 'seaculum', and hence our term 'secular') was proclaimed. The reverse lion and other exotic animals from the series signify the accompanying lavish "saecular games", where they were displayed and slaughtered. Despite the pomp, Rome was well past its heyday, its hollowness illustrated by the fact it was presided over by the son of an Arab sheikh (according to some, even a crypto-Christian), who was soon to perish in yet another bloody palace coup.