572

Roman Emp., Probus, Aureus 279

Currency:CHF Category:Coins & Paper Money / Coins: Ancient Start Price:28,000.00 CHF Estimated At:35,000.00 - 43,750.00 CHF
Roman Emp., Probus, Aureus 279
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The Roman Empire, Probus, 276 – 282, Aureus, Siscia 279, AV 6.78 g. IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust l., holding transverse spear and shield decorated with aegis. Rev. P – M TR I – P Emperor, laureate and togate standing in slow quadriga r., holding eagle-tipped sceptre; in exergue, COS III. C –, cf. 453 (for reverse type). RIC –, cf. 579 (for reverse type). Calicó –, cf. 4177 (for reverse type). Apparently unique and unpublished. A vigorous and interesting portrait well struck in high relief on a very large flan. Exceptionally well detailed on both sides with an almost invisible mark on reverse field, otherwise virtually as struck and almost Fdc Ex NAC sale 25, 2003, 567. ‘heroic bust’ composition, which harkens back to earlier numisimatic prototypes. Probus’ intention, no doubt, was to demonstrate the strength of his regime and to show the possessor of this beautiful aureus that Rome’s future was secured by the strength of his command. If the obverse was meant to communicate Probus’ unquestioned military supremacy, the elegant, noble reverse suggests the same level of confidence in the emperor’s legislative authority. Probus is shown in his chariot, holding an eagle-tipped scepter (scipio) and guiding the reins of four horses who move forward in perfect synchronicity – the foremost with its head held high. Here Probus celebrates an unspecified tribunician power, and his third renewal of the consulship. We must presume this coin refers to the third or fourth renewal of his tribunician power, even though it is not designated, as his sequence of honors would accommodate that. Tribunician power designations on the coins of Probus, though unorthodox, is consistent: TR P is paired with COS; TRI P is paired with COS II and COS III; TR P V is paired with COS IIII; and TR P VI is paired with COS V.