Antoninianus - Probus VIRTVS PROBI AVG; Mars
| Silver | 3.7 g | 21.5 mm |
| 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 | 3.7 g |
| Diameter | 21.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#293853 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, walking right, holding spear in right hand and trophy in left hand; sometimes at his feet, one or two captives.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
VIRTVS PROBI AVG
-/-//XXIP
Translation:
Virtus Probi Augusti.
Courage of emperor (Augustus) Probus.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.64–3.83 g;Diameter varies: 21–21.75 mm;
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Antoninianus - Probus coin was part of a series of coins issued during the reign of Emperor Probus (276-282 AD) to promote the cult of the Roman gods. The coin features an image of Mars, the Roman god of war, on the reverse, and the legend VIRTVS PROBI AVG (the virtue of Probus the Emperor) on the obverse. This coin was made of silver and weighed 3.7 grams, which was a significant weight for a coin at that time. The fact that it was made of silver and featured an image of a powerful god like Mars suggests that it was an important coin in the Roman Empire's economy and culture.