Antoninianus - Probus Cuirassed, right; MARTI PACIF; Mars
279 year| Silver | 4.02 g | 22.76 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Probus (Marcus Aurelius Probus) (276-282) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 279 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.02 g |
| Diameter | 22.76 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#292894 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, in military attire, walking left, holding olive-branch in right hand and spear and shield in left hand.
Officina mark in field or exergue.
Scripts: Latin, Greek
Lettering: MARTI PACIF
Unabridged legend: Marti Pacifero.
Translation: To Mars, the peacemaker.
Comment
RIC 541 lists only one variation (with three field-/exergue marks), being one bust type (bust type according to Pierre Bastiens grouping of bust types): bust type B, which is bust of Probus, radiate, cuirassed, right.
RIC 541 was minted by the 4th officina (field-/exergue mark -/-//ΔXXI or -/-//Δ or Δ/-//-) of Ticinum. According to Pink, the 4th officina used the reverse title MARTI PACIF, combined with obverse legend Nr. 5 (IMP C PROBVS P F AVG) and the aforementiond field-/exergue marks, during the 6th emission (phase A and B), which was in the year 279. See Karl Pink, Der Aufbau der römischen Münzprägung in der Kaiserzeit VI/I, Wien, 1949.
See Probuscoins for other examples:
- #1190, with the mintmark: -/-//Δ;
- #1724, with the mintmark: -/-//ΔXXI;
- #3079, with the mintmark: -/-//ΔXXI;
- #4014, with the mintmark: -/-//ΔXXI.
And Probvs.net for examples.
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus - Probus coin was part of a series of coins issued during the reign of Emperor Probus (276-282 AD) to celebrate the Roman military victories and to promote the cult of the Roman gods. The coin features Mars, the Roman god of war, on the reverse, symbolizing the military prowess of the Roman Empire. The use of Mars on the coin was a common feature of Roman coins during this period, as the empire was constantly engaged in military campaigns to defend its territories and expand its borders. The coin also features the emperor Probus on the obverse, wearing a cuirass and holding a spear, which was a common motif on coins issued during his reign. The inscription "MARTI PACIF" on the coin means "To Mars, the Peacemaker," highlighting the role of Mars as a protector and guardian of the Roman state. Overall, the Antoninianus - Probus coin is an interesting example of how Roman coins were used as a tool for propaganda and ideological promotion, and it provides a glimpse into the cultural and religious beliefs of the Roman Empire during the 3rd century AD.
