Probus Serdica SOLI INVICTO
Obverse: PERPETVO IMP C PROBO INVICT AVG
Reverse: S – OL - I I - NVICT - O
Emission: 4
Officina: 4
Bust type: B = Radiate, cuirassed bust right
Exergue marks: // K A Delta
Literature: RIC 869var (unlisted obverse legend)
Rarity: R3
Note: Probus was the only Roman emperor to style himself "eternal" – PERPETUO. The appearance of this phrase on the coin makes it extremely rare and sought-after. If we also add the rare and sought-after inscription INVICT (invincible) to the title, we can speak of an extremely rare piece.
The combination of the epithet *perpetuus*, characteristic of the mint in Serdica, with *invictus* in the obverse legend intensifies both the permanence of imperial power and extraordinary military might.
The sun god depicted frontally in a quadriga is a completely new motif, issued during Probus's time in at least five mints. Sol had previously appeared in this form only on provincial Roman coins, but then as part of a larger pictorial composition. Already in the time of Aurelian, the invincible sun god had gained significant importance in the symbolism of power, and this development continued under his successors. During the time of Probus, the cult of Sol reached its apogee
Ref: ex Auktion Bankhaus Aufhäuser 11, München 1995, Nr. 391 ;
Kunker eLive Premium Auction 436 - Lot 10572
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