Probus. AD 276-282. AV Aureus (21mm, 6.83 g, 12h). Serdica mint. 5th emission, AD 280. EF.

Triton XXVI
Lot: 826. Estimated: $ 30 000

Roman Imperial, Coin-in-Hand Video, Gold

Sold For $ 22 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Probus. AD 276-282. AV Aureus (21mm, 6.83 g, 12h). Serdica mint. 5th emission, AD 280. IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG, cuirassed bust left, gorgoneion on breastplate, wearing crested helmet, holding spear in right hand over right shoulder, shield on left arm decorated with a gorgoneion / VICTORIAE, AVG in exergue, Victory driving triumphal quadriga left, holding wreath in right hand and palm frond in left. RIC V 833; Pink VI/1 p. 46; Calicó 4230; Nomos 19, lot 338 (same dies). Lustrous. EF. Struck with dies of artistic merit. Very rare.

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 120 (6 October 2020), lot 826.

Marcus Aurelius Probus was one of a series of tough Balkan military men who rescued the Roman Empire from certain destruction in the late third century. He was the son of a peasant gardener who entered the army as a teenager and rose steadily through the ranks. By AD 276, he had achieved command of the Roman field armies in Syria and Egypt and was well-positioned to seize the throne when the elderly emperor Tacitus died. His reign was one of constant, frenetic military activity, racing from one frontier to the other to confront and defeat enemy invaders or internal usurpers. This is reflected on his coinage, including this superb aureus, depicting him in full military gear on the obverse and driving a triumphal quadriga on the reverse, presaging his well-deserved triumph in Rome in AD 281.

The final winners of all Triton XXVI lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 10-11 January 2023.

Triton XXVI – Session Three – Lots 674-990 will be held Wednesday morning, 11 January 2023 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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