TYPE Roman Empire, Philip II (247-9 AD), silver antoninianus, 3.75g, struck 248 AD DESCRIPTION . Obv: Radiate bust to right, legend: IMP PHILIPPVS AVG Rev: Goat standing to left, legend SAECVLARES AVGG, III in ex. REFERENCE: RIC 224, RSC 72 GRADING: VF, rough edge with minor bend, light toning, scarce ORDER INFO: R1668, $115 A popular type from the "Saeculares" series, issued in conjunction 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 goat and other more exotic animals from the series signify the accompanying lavish "saecular games", where they were diplayed and slaughtered. But the days of Rome's real glory were gone by then, and so were Philip and his namesake father by the following year.