Antoninianus - Probus Imperial mantle, left, sceptre surmounted by eagle; VIRTVS AVGVSTI
| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Probus (Marcus Aurelius Probus) (276-282) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 277-278 |
| 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#294753 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Soldier, helmeted, in military attire, standing left, resting right hand on shield and holding spear in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VIRTVS AVGVSTI
In exergue R for Rome, followed by officina mark
Unabridged legend: Virtus Augusti.
Translation: Courage of the emperor.
Comment
The original RIC lists RIC 238 as minted by the 2nd (R✶B) and 5th (R✶Є) officina and mentions 1 bust type (bust types according to Pierre Bastiens grouping of bust types; see illustrated: probvs.net). There are two know variants:
- Radiate, wearing imperial mantle, left, holding sceptre surmounted by eagle in right hand (bust H2, Guillemain (*) #317 (R✶Є), example: probuscoins #204, Numista #294753);
- [var] Radiate, cuirassed, right (bust B, Guillemain #321 (R✶Є), example: probuscoins #3621 (R✶Є), not in Numista);
- [var] Radiate, wearing imperial mantle, left, holding sceptre surmounted by eagle in right hand - VIRTVS AVG in stead of VIRTVS AVGVSTI - (bust H2, Guillemain #316 (R✶Є), example: probuscoins #3156 (R✶Є) and #2743 (R✶B), Numista #413404).
(*) Jean Guillemain, La Monetazione di Probo a Roma (276-282), Ripostiglio della Venèra-Nuovo Catalogo Illustrato Vol III/1, 2009).
The variants with the B bust and the H2 bust with the reverse legend 'VIRTVS AVG' are variants of RIC 238 because it is the only coin of the Rome mint with the obverse legend 'IMP PROBVS AVG' and on the reverse a soldier standing left with shield and spear.
According to both Guillemain and Pink, RIC 238 is part of the 3rd emission (exergue/officina mark style: -/-//R✶Є; year 278). See Guillemain 2009 and Karl Pink, Der Aufbau der römischen Münzprägung in der Kaiserzeit VI/I, Wien, 1949, p. 41. An example with the exergue/mint mark RЄ is also known: probuscoins #4022, which is the exergue/officina mark style: of the 2nd emission (year 277).
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 Empire's military victories and to promote the cult of the Roman emperors. The coin's design features the image of Probus wearing an imperial mantle and holding a sceptre surmounted by an eagle, symbolizing his authority and power as emperor. The coin's inscription, "VIRTVS AVGVSTI," translates to "the virtue of the Augustus," referring to the emperor's role as the supreme leader of the Roman Empire. This coin is significant not only for its historical value but also for its artistic and cultural significance. The coin's design reflects the artistic style of the late Roman Empire, characterized by a focus on realism and attention to detail. The use of silver as the material for the coin also highlights the wealth and prosperity of the Roman Empire during this period. Overall, the Antoninianus - Probus coin is a fascinating piece of history that provides insight into the political, cultural, and economic aspects of the Roman Empire during the 3rd century AD.
