Aureus - Probus VIRTVTI AVGVSTI; Hercules
| Gold | 5.3 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Probus (Marcus Aurelius Probus) (276-282) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 276-282 |
| Value | Aureus (25⁄2) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 5.3 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#293920 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Hercules, standing right, leaning on club with lion-skin.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIRTVTI AVGVSTI
Translation:
Virtuti Augusti.
To the courage of the emperor (Augustus).
Comment
Mass varies: 5.22–5.35 g;Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus - Probus (VIRTVTI AVGVSTI; Hercules) coin is that it features an image of Hercules on the reverse side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the late 3rd century AD. This was likely due to the association of Hercules with the Roman emperor, who was seen as a powerful and heroic figure, much like Hercules was in Greek mythology. The use of Hercules on coins during this period may have been a way to emphasize the emperor's strength and authority.
