Antoninianus of Probus (AD 276–282), struck at the mint of Serdica, belonging to issues produced during a period of intense military campaigns and consolidation of imperial authority following the Crisis of the Third Century. The coinage of Probus is distinguished by dynamic, strongly militarized imagery emphasizing his role as a victorious commander and defender of the empire.
The obverse features a left-facing bust of the emperor wearing a radiate crown, helmet, and cuirass, holding a spear and shield, with the legend IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG, presenting his name and titulature as Marcus Aurelius Probus Augustus. This portrait type highlights the emperor as an active military leader and embodiment of strength.
The reverse depicts Probus galloping right on horseback, spearing an enemy, with the legend VIRTVS PROBI AVG and the exergue mark KAB. This scene represents one of the most vivid battle depictions in Roman coinage, showing the emperor directly engaged in combat.
The legend VIRTVS PROBI AVG (“the courage of Probus Augustus”) emphasizes the bravery, strength, and military capability of the ruler. The image of the emperor personally defeating an opponent serves as a strong element of imperial propaganda, presenting Probus as the guarantor of security and stability within the empire.
Roman Imperial
Probus (276–282), Antoninianus 276-282, Serdica mint
Obverse: radiate, helmeted and cuirassed bust left holding spear and shield
IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG
Reverse: emperor galloping right, spearing enemy, shield beneath horse, KAB in exergue
VIRTVS PROBI AVG
Diameter 25 mm, weight 3.20 g
