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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Probus 878

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Probus 878. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Probus. Mint: Serdica. The obverse shows bust of Probus, radiate, draped, right or bust of Probus, helmeted, radiate, cuirassed, left, holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand or bust of Probus, radiate, wearing imperial mantle, left, holding sceptre surmounted by eagle in right hand, with the legend IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG.

The reverse shows probus, galloping right, spearing enemy whose shield lies beneath horse, with the legend VIRTVS PROBI AVG.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

During the imperial period of the Roman Empire, the emperor Probus governed and issued coinage across various mints, including Serdica. The coinage of this era formed part of a monetary system that had evolved through decades of military rule, internal conflict, and shifting imperial administration.

This silver antoninianus was produced as part of a denomination first introduced by Caracalla in early 215 AD, thought to have been valued at two denarii. The coin featured the radiate crown on the portrait of the emperor, a visual marker indicating a double denomination. By the third century, issues of the antoninianus were continuously required to pay troops and maintain loyalty, even as the silver content of the denomination underwent progressive debasement. The reverse of this issue depicts Probus galloping right and spearing an enemy whose shield lies beneath the horse, accompanied by the inscription "VIRTVS PROBI AVG", paired with obverse portraits bearing the legend "IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Serdica
Authority
Probus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Probus, radiate, draped, right or bust of Probus, helmeted, radiate, cuirassed, left, holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand or bust of Probus, radiate, wearing imperial mantle, left, holding sceptre surmounted by eagle in right hand
Reverse
Probus, galloping right, spearing enemy whose shield lies beneath horse
Obverse legend
IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG
Reverse legend
VIRTVS PROBI AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Probus 878
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
VIRTVS PROBI AVG
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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