Sale: CNG 60, Lot: 1853. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 May 2002.  Sold For $360. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PROBUS. 276-282 AD. Antoninianus (3.87 gm). Siscia mint. Radiate bust left, wearing imperial mantle and holding eagle-tipped sceptre / SISCIA P-ROBI AVG, Siscia seated between the two river gods, Savus and Colapis, holding a diadem in her hands; XXIT. RIC V pt. 2, 764; Cohen 638. VF, green patina, fields smoothed. Very rare. ($300)

Probus was one of the greatest of the late third century "soldier emperors." His campaigns against the usurpers Proculus, Bonosus and Saturninus left him the unchallenged ruler of Rome, and his defeat of the Germanic forces at the borders of Gaul and Illyria restored areas long lost to Rome. This rare coin type depicts a grateful Siscia in Illyria safe within its borders.