Antoninianus of Probus (AD 276–282), struck at the mint of Rome, belonging to issues produced during the consolidation of imperial authority and the restoration of stability following the Crisis of the Third Century. The coinage of Probus combines rich military iconography with strong references to solar ideology, particularly developed since the reign of Aurelian.
The obverse features a left-facing bust of the emperor wearing a radiate crown and consular cloak, holding a short eagle-tipped sceptre (scipio), with the legend PROBVS P F AVG. This depiction emphasizes both his imperial dignity and his connection to tradition and state authority.
The reverse depicts Sol in a quadriga moving left, holding a globe and whip, with the legend SOLI INVICTO. Field marks include the letter R, a crescent symbol, and B, referring to the mint and officina. Sol Invictus, as the sun god, symbolized renewal, victory, and divine protection of the emperor.
The image of the god in a quadriga alludes to his daily journey across the sky, serving as a metaphor for the continual renewal of imperial power. The legend SOLI INVICTO (“To the Unconquered Sun”) emphasizes the ideological link between the emperor and divine force, suggesting that his rule is under the special protection of the supreme solar deity.
Very nice preserved Probus antoninianus, with very good detail and lot of silvering.
Plenty of mint bloom.
Roman Imperial
Probus (276–282), Antoninianus 276-282, Rome mint
Obverse: radiate bust of Probus left, wearing consular cloak and holding short scepter topped with an eagle
IMP PROBVS AVG
Reverse: Sol in galloping quadriga left, with upraised hand, globe and whip, R-crescent-B in exergue
SOLI INVICTO
Diameter 23 mm, weight 3.51 g
