Antoninianus - Probus (COMES AVG; Minerva) (276-282) front Antoninianus - Probus (COMES AVG; Minerva) (276-282) back
Antoninianus - Probus (COMES AVG; Minerva) (276-282) photo
© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG

Antoninianus - Probus COMES AVG; Minerva

 
Silver 6.9 g -
Description
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
6.9 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#293350
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Minerva, helmeted, draped, standing left, holding olive-branch in right hand and spear in left hand; to right, shield.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
COMES AVG
A/-//-

Translation:
Comes Augusti.
Companion of the Emperor.

Comment

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 earlier Roman coins, which typically featured images of gods and goddesses or other symbols of Roman power and authority. 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.