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Probus SERDICA

Probus SERDICA

Collection by Graudenz • Created 1 month ago • 29 items • 41 views

Attribution and order of display of Probus coins from the mint of Serdica is based on RIC V.2.

Classification of busts is based on the fundamental work of Pierre BASTIEN, Le buste monétaire des empereurs romains.

The three variants of the VIRTVS PROBI AVG reverse are based on the classification by Ph. Gysen:

VIR-1: Emperor on horse to right, spearing enemy at foot; THE ENEMY IS KNEALING; LONG EXERGUAL LINE AT BOTTOM

VIR-2: Emperor on horse to right, spearing enemy at foot; THE ENEMY'S LEGS ARE STRETCHED; NO (or very short) EXERGUAL LINE

VIR-adv: (Adventvs scene: Emperor on horse with his right hand raised, to left; at foot captive)

(RIC V.2 does not differentiate between the VIR-1 and VIR-2 variants)
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Antoninianus (3.94g, 24.00mm) Serdica Mint Struck: 277 AD
Description

Probus Serdica PROVIDEN DEOR

Obverse: IMP C PROBVS INVICTVS AVG
Reverse: PRO - VIDEN D - EOR
Emission: 2
Officina: 3
Bust type: A2 = Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from rear
Exergue marks: K A Gamma
Literature: RIC 848
Rarity: R2

Note: Very rare and desirable INVICTVS title

Ref: ex.coll. U.Neumann

Weight 3.94g
Diameter 24.00mm
Year(s) Minted Struck: 277 AD

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Antoninianus (3.73g, 23.00mm) Serdica Mint Struck: 281 AD
Description

Probus Serdica RESTITVT ORBIS

Obverse: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG
Reverse: RESTITVT OR - BIS
Emission: 5
Officina: 2
Bust type: E1 = radiate, cuirassed and helmeted bust left, holding spear and shield (decorated Virtvs scene)
Exergue marks: M S // K A B
Literature: RIC 857var (unlisted obverse legend and bust E1)
Rarity: R3

Note: A rare bust with shield decoration for this issue, combined with a rare reverse type struck only during the short, fifth issue in Serdica. Additionally, a very rare abbreviated reverse inscription reading RESTITVT[or] ORBIS instead of the full inscription RESTITVTOR ORBIS.

Ref: ex.coll. U.Neumann

Weight 3.73g
Diameter 23.00mm
Year(s) Minted Struck: 281 AD

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Antoninianus (4.21g, 23.00mm) Serdica Mint Struck: 281 AD
Description

Probus Serdica VIRTVS PROBI AVG

Obverse: IMP M AVR PROBVS AVG
Reverse: VIRTVS PROBI AVG
Emission: 4
Officina: 2
Bust type: E1 = radiate, cuirassed and helmeted bust left, holding spear and shield
Exergue marks: K A B
Literature: RIC 883var (unlisted obverse legend)
Rarity: R3

Note: Extremely rare obverse legend in which the letter C (Ceasar) is missing, where in the whole mass of imperial titles this is an extreme phenomenon. Under Probus we most often have IMP CM AVR .., IMP C AVR..., Here we have the extreme notation IMP M AVR ... (Marcvs Avrelivs)

Ref: Ex Münzen & Medaillen w 1985r (lot 266).
06.04.2025 Numismatik Naumann auction 151 lot 914

Weight 4.21g
Diameter 23.00mm
Year(s) Minted Struck: 281 AD

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Antoninianus (3.55g, 23.00mm) Serdica Mint Struck: 281 AD
Description

Probus Serdica RESTITVTOR ORBIS

Obverse: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG
Reverse: RESTITVTOR _ ORBIS
Emission: 5
Officina: 2
Bust type: I8 = Radiate, cuirassed and draped bust left, with parazonium placed on left shoulder and holding victoriola (victory on globe) in right hand
Exergue marks: M S // K A B
Literature: RIC 856var (unlisted bust I8 and obverse legend)
Rarity: R3

Note: A spectacular, extremely rare, and desirable bust type, paired with a rare reverse type, struck only during a short, 5th mintage in Serdica! Probably the 6th known piece.

Ref: ex.coll.B.Skibniewski = ex.coll.U.Neumann

Weight 3.55g
Diameter 23.00mm
Year(s) Minted Struck: 281 AD

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Antoninianus (4.65g, 23.00mm) Serdica Mint Struck: 281 AD
Description

Probus Serdica VIRTVS PROBI AVG

Obverse: IMP C M AVR PROBV - S AVG
Reverse: VIRTVS PROBI AVG
Emission: 4
Officina: 4
Bust type: E1 = radiate, cuirassed and helmeted bust left, holding spear and shield (Parma shield)
Exergue marks: // K A Δ
Literature: RIC 878var (unlisted Parma shield)
Rarity: R2

Note: Very rare bust type with the Parma shield

Ref: 26.10.2025 Eid Mar auction 23 lot 493

Weight 4.65g
Diameter 23.00mm
Year(s) Minted Struck: 281 AD

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