Antoninianus - Probus MARTI PACIFERO
© EPHESE
Features
| Issuer |
Rome ›
Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
 |
|---|---|
| Emperor |
Probus (Marcus Aurelius Probus) (276-282)
|
| Type | Standard circulation coins |
| Year | 276 |
| Value | Antoninianus (1) |
| Currency | Antoninianus, Reform of Caracalla (AD 215 – 301) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.28 g |
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Number | N# 175923 |
| References | RCV III# 42 David R. Sear; 2005. Roman Coins and Their Values / Volume 3. The Third Century Crisis and Recovery AD 235-285. Spink & Son, London, United Kingdom. |
Obverse
Radiused and cuirassed bust of Probus, right, seen from three quarters forward, with a paludamentum over the left shoulder.
Script: Latin
Lettering: IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, in military dress, standing on the left, holding an olive branch in his right hand and an inverted haste in his left hand; behind him, a shield on the ground, leaning against his right leg.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
MARTI PACIFERO
II
Comments
This reverse is new for the Lyonnais workshop and breaks with the repetition of types borrowed from the coinage of Tacitus and Florian, as was the case in the first short-lived issue. This continuity was undoubtedly decided in the absence of precise instructions by the procurator monetae of the Lyon workshop. We can also note the stylistic evolution of the portrait, which still bears a strong resemblance to Florian's, but which slowly evolves to fully resemble the new emperor during the third issue.
This second issue, divided into two phases, features a single legal title: IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG.
The first phase corresponds to the issue of unmarked coins for the donativum. The coins were distributed to citizens in the city in the emperor's absence. The bust of Probus is cuirassed on the right, the engraved part of the cuirass being very short and marks a change from the effects of Florian's busts, which were usually draped.
The second phase of this second issue features coins with the officinal marks I, II, III and IIII on the reverse. During this phase, the second officina was dedicated to minting representations of Mars, with a reverse MARS VICTOR, taken from Tacitus' eighth issue, and a reverse MARTI PACIFERO, which was new to the Lyon workshop.
Mars, assimilated to Ares by the Greeks, is undoubtedly the most Roman of the gods, closely linked to the history of Rome. Indeed, tradition has it that he is the father of Romulus. While he is the god of war par excellence, he was also the god of agriculture and spring in ancient times. His cult is complex. On this Aurelianus, he is depicted in his military guise, as the patron and tutelary god of soldiers. Emperors attached particular devotion to him, especially Probus, who came from military ranks, master of the empire and general of the armies. Mars appears frequently in monetary inscriptions, with a wide variety of epithets: MILITARIS, POTENS, CAMPESTER recall his warlike character. PROPUGNATOR, CVSTOS, CONSERVATOR express his role as protector of armies. VICTOR, INVICTVS, the most widespread, emphasize the idea that he brings victory. Mars VLTOR, introduced by Augustus, is the god of vengeance. PACIFER, as for this aurélianus and PACATOR, shows that he is also the one who brings peace to the empire. A program for which Probus will fight in every corner of Roman territory...
This second issue, divided into two phases, features a single legal title: IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG.
The first phase corresponds to the issue of unmarked coins for the donativum. The coins were distributed to citizens in the city in the emperor's absence. The bust of Probus is cuirassed on the right, the engraved part of the cuirass being very short and marks a change from the effects of Florian's busts, which were usually draped.
The second phase of this second issue features coins with the officinal marks I, II, III and IIII on the reverse. During this phase, the second officina was dedicated to minting representations of Mars, with a reverse MARS VICTOR, taken from Tacitus' eighth issue, and a reverse MARTI PACIFERO, which was new to the Lyon workshop.
Mars, assimilated to Ares by the Greeks, is undoubtedly the most Roman of the gods, closely linked to the history of Rome. Indeed, tradition has it that he is the father of Romulus. While he is the god of war par excellence, he was also the god of agriculture and spring in ancient times. His cult is complex. On this Aurelianus, he is depicted in his military guise, as the patron and tutelary god of soldiers. Emperors attached particular devotion to him, especially Probus, who came from military ranks, master of the empire and general of the armies. Mars appears frequently in monetary inscriptions, with a wide variety of epithets: MILITARIS, POTENS, CAMPESTER recall his warlike character. PROPUGNATOR, CVSTOS, CONSERVATOR express his role as protector of armies. VICTOR, INVICTVS, the most widespread, emphasize the idea that he brings victory. Mars VLTOR, introduced by Augustus, is the god of vengeance. PACIFER, as for this aurélianus and PACATOR, shows that he is also the one who brings peace to the empire. A program for which Probus will fight in every corner of Roman territory...
Manage my collection
Please sign in or create an account to manage your collection.
| Date | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undetermined | |||||||||||||||
| ND (276) | |||||||||||||||
Get this coin
No member from this site currently wants to exchange it.
Numista Rarity index: 95
This index is based on the data of Numista members collections. It ranges from 0 to 100, 0 meaning a very common coin or banknote and 100 meaning a rare coin or banknote among Numista members.
Contribute to the catalogue
Modify or add data on this pageRegister a past auction sale
Register an example of this type
Duplicate this page
