Coin In Collection

Graudenz

Probus Siscia ORIGINI AVG

Obverse: IMP C PROBVS P F AVG
Reverse: ORIGINI AVG
Emission: 4
Officina: 3
Bust type: B1 = radiate, cuirassed bust left
Exergue marks: // XXIT
Literature: RIC 703var (unlisted bust B1) ; Alfoldi 040.002
Rarity: R3

Note: A very rare and sought-after reverse design with a classic Roman motif depicting a she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, but with the highly unusual inscription "ORIGINI AVG," unique in Roman coinage. This reverse design either emphasizes Probus's close connection to Siscia (where the coin was minted) or perhaps Probus's noble, ancestral, Roman origins for propaganda purposes (in reality, Probus came from a low social class). This particular coin, with its rare and desirable armored bust facing LEFT, instead of the usual right, is by far the rarest of the four busts with the "ORIGINI AVG" reverse recorded by Alfoldi.

Ref: ex.coll. B.Skibniewski