Lot 1698

Description

Probus, (A.D. 276-282), gold aureus, struck 281, Rome mint, (5.276 grams), obv. laureate bust cuirassed to right of Probus, around IMP PROB VS P F AVG, rev. Probus standing to left, holding transverse sceptre in hand, four suppliants standing around, around VICTORIOS O SEMPER, wreath in exergue, (cf.S.3356, RIC 143, Bastien 'Donativa' p.59 i; C.794). An important piece with interesting reverse, very fine and very rare.

Probus after many wars and revolts for the first four years of his reign returned to Rome to celebrate his many victories with a triumph held towards the end of the year. Accompanying this triumph were lavish games and gladiatorial contests, as well as a large donative. This aureus celebrating the 'Always Victorius' Probus was part of that donative.