Antoninianus - Probus COMES AVG; Minerva
| Silver | 4.1 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Probus (Marcus Aurelius Probus) (276-282) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 276-282 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.1 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#293312 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Minerva, helmeted, draped, standing left, holding olive-branch in right hand and spear in left hand; resting left hand on shield.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
COMES AVG
-/-//-
Translation:
Comes Augusti.
Companion of the Emperor.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.79–4.59 g;Diameter varies: 21.5–22 mm;
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus coin, which was issued during the reign of Probus (276-282 AD), was the first Roman coin to feature a portrait of the emperor on one side and a deity on the other. In this case, the coin features a portrait of Probus on one side and a depiction of the goddess Minerva on the other. This innovation in coin design was a significant departure from previous Roman coins, which had typically featured images of gods and goddesses or other symbols of Roman power. The use of the emperor's portrait on coins became a standard feature of Roman coinage from this point forward, and it helped to reinforce the idea that the emperor was a divine figure, appointed by the gods to rule over the empire.
