Antoninianus - Probus (VIRTVS AVG; Mars) (276-282) front Antoninianus - Probus (VIRTVS AVG; Mars) (276-282) back
Antoninianus - Probus (VIRTVS AVG; Mars) (276-282) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Antoninianus - Probus VIRTVS AVG; Mars

 
Silver 3.1 g 22 mm
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
3.1 g
Diameter
22 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#292934
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Mars, helmeted, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
VIRTVS AVG
-/-//ϵXXI

Translation:
Virtus Augusti.
Courage of the emperor.

Comment

Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)

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 Mars, the Roman god of war, 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 and authority. The inclusion of the emperor's portrait on the coin was a way to emphasize the emperor's divine status and to promote his image as a powerful and benevolent leader.