Sale: Triton XI, Lot: 985. Estimate $15000.  Closing Date: Monday, 7 January 2008.  Sold For $13000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Probus. AD 276-282. AV “Heavy” Aureus (6.95 g, 12h). Siscia mint. 1st emission, AD 277. IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind / SECVRI-TAS SAECVLI, Securitas seated left, holding sceptre in right hand, head resting on left hand; SIS. RIC V 593; Pink VI/1, p. 49; Calicó 4195; Hunter 186. Superb EF, dark toning at edge.

From a North American Collection. Ex Triton VII (13 January 2004), lot 1028.

This exceptionally heavy gold coin was struck at the rate of 47 per Roman pound, making it a nearly perfect 1.5-aureus of the 70-per-pound standard that seems to have been Probus’ benchmark. The reverse type of this coin, SECVRITAS SAECVLI (like another type of Probus from the same year inscribed RESTITVT SAECVLI), calls for the return of a golden age, an idea Probus promoted in conjunction with his arrival in Rome in AD 277 and his celebration of decennial vows. Considering its high weight and special reverse type, this coin no doubt had a ceremonial function, perhaps as a donative to the army.