Antoninianus - Probus Imperial mantle, left, sceptre surmounted by eagle; PROVIDENT AVG; Providentia
278 year| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Probus (Marcus Aurelius Probus) (276-282) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 278 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#293518 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Providentia, draped, standing left, holding globe in right hand and sceptre in left hand.
Officina followed by value mark (XX) and mintmark in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering: PROVIDENT AVG
Unabridged legend: Providentia Augusti.
Translation: Foresight of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
RIC 397 was minted by the 2nd officina (exergue-/officina mark: SXXT) of the Ticinum mint (SXXT). The XX stands for 20 parts alloy (instead of the more usual XXI for a copper to silver ratio of 20:1). The original RIC text mentions 3 different variations/different bust types (bust types according to Pierre Bastiens grouping of bust types; see illustrated: probvs.net) and one variant is known:
- Radiate, cuirassed, right (B bust, example probuscoins #1111, Numista #292745);
- Wearing imperial mantle, left, holding sceptre surmounted by eagle in right hand (bust H2, example probuscoins #285, Numista #293518);
- Radiate, cuirassed, left, holding spear in right hand (F5 bust, no example on probuscoins, Numista #293519).
- [var] Radiate, cuirassed, right, holding spear in right hand (F9 bust, example probuscoins #4806, not in Numista).
According to Pink, RIC 397 - with its obverse lettering nr. 5 ('IMP C PROBVS P F AVG') combined with 'PROVIDENT AVG' and exergue mark 'SXXT' - is part of the 4th emission (sub B) which was minted in the year 278. See Karl Pink, Der Aufbau der römischen Münzprägung in der Kaiserzeit VI/I, Wien, 1949, p. 63.
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus - Probus coin was issued during the reign of Emperor Probus (276-282 AD), who was known for his military campaigns and agricultural reforms. The coin's design features the image of Providentia, the Roman goddess of foresight and providence, on the reverse side, which symbolizes the emperor's efforts to ensure the prosperity and security of the Roman Empire.
