Following a mutiny against the previous Roman emperor, Gordian III, Phillip became emperor in AD 244, thanks not only to his military expertise but also his skills as an exceptional administrator. An emperor at the time needed both these strengths to rule successfully.

A coin from this period is of immense historical significance, as Phillip I was emperor of Rome during the 1,000th anniversary of the founding of the city. These coins mark a time when Rome itself was a legend in its own lifetime and celebrating everything accomplished so far throughout its empire.