Humilau

Got a deal of a lifetime just last week. The extremely rare E6 Horse Bust for my core collection of Probus from Siscia. Whenever one of these rarely hit the auction block, they command a high premium to them. I was very lucky to acquire this one recently and will stand as one of the top coins in my collection.

Antoninianus (22mm, 3.3g, 6h). Siscia, 278.

IMP C PROBVS PF AVG , Radiate, helmeted and armored bust to the left of Probus, holding a horse's head by the bridle in the right hand, shield on the left shoulder, spear on the right shoulder. (Bastien bust code: E6). Scene from "Virtus" adorning the shield.

SOLI INVICTO, Sol in a galloping quadriga to the left, right hand raised, holding a whip in the left hand.

-/-//XXIS
Emission: 6
Officina: 2
RIC 769 var.

 

Don't have any Postumus Antoniniani coming in recently. But I do have a Tetricus on the way. The gallic enjoyers will know how special this one is with the senatorial name, very nice strike, as well as a great flan. Perhaps the one of if not the best for the type.

 

Obv: IMP C G P ESVVIVS TETRICVS AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Tetricus I to right.

Rev: SPES PVBLICA Spes advancing left, holding flower in her right hand and raising skirt with her left.

 

Though I don't have many Tacitus in my collection I do have an extremely rare VICTORIA AVG reverse.

OBVERSE: IMP C M CL TACITVS P AVG
REVERSE: VICTORIA AVG

BUST TYPE: D1
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: /-//P

RIC Temp 3642

LV 2068

 

Although I do have the Probus version from Siscia of the ROMAE AETERNAE reverse.

OBVERSE: IMP PROBVS INV AVG
REVERSE: ROMAE AETERNAE - Roma seated left on shield, holding globe and sceptre

BUST TYPE: A2
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//XXI
WEIGHT 3.21g / AXIS: 11h / DIAMETER: 22 mm

RIC 742
ALFOLDI 058/001

 

Fascinating! I am not too coding inclined, but I've been attempting to learn how to create a database to aid in research for personal use. Although with not much success so far haha. SQL, htlm, css, etc are outside of my ballpark. One day I'll be able to figure out something. Great work on this and I hope it benefits your needs well.

 

2 hours ago, David Atherton said:

A tightly focused list with some neat write-ups. Hard to argue with your #1!

I wish I could expand on many of these write-ups, but many I would reveal too much in-progress research if I wrote longer! Eventually I'll be able to include my datatables and charts, but those stay hidden for now haha!

 

The DEO ET DOMINO really is the crown of the Siscia collection, even though it is not a KA type. I don't believe there could be a type to dethrone it in my collection even if it were to get the KA Fides Militvm or one of the extremely rare busts from the mint. 

2 hours ago, Al Kowsky said:

Humilau, You made some attractive additions this year 🤩! Looks like you're a serious Probus collector ☺️. My favorite has to be #5 😍.

Love myself some Probus from Siscia. So many unique types to add this year. #5 has a great style to it and like some of the other types, such as the Deo et Domino, they are so rare that they are not in reference literature.

48 minutes ago, DonnaML said:

Some great Probi! (If that's the correct plural.) My favorite was No. 5 -- I really love the reddish-brown patina, and the sharp definition in the devices.

It was a great addition to the collection. Helps to show the transfer of mint workers from Serdica to Siscia. Haven't found another example yet, but maybe one will randomly appear at nyinc. However, I'll be on the war path there though for the KA types if any are to be found anywhere though anything Siscia I'll definitely be searching.

10. Probus - Siscia Clementia Temp V/KA E2 Bust 

Starting off this top ten, I have an antoninianus of Probus from Siscia with a CLEMENTIA TEMP reverse. This coin falls in line with my specialized inner collection of Probus from Siscia of Antoniniani with the KA exergue markings. 

 

This Antoninianus is a great addition to my collection because it would be the first in my collection from the Fifth Officina for the KA exergue types. The few KA exergue coins from the Fifth Officina are presented with the H2 consular bust with Probus in a consular mantle; however, this example features a military cuirassed E2 bust with the shield in front. 

 

This example is unlisted in Alföldi and so far is unique. I have another one with the same intriguing unlisted bust type for the issue, but from the Fourth Officina which sadly did not find room on the list this year.

OBVERSE: IMP C M AVR PROBVS PF AVG
REVERSE: CLEMENTIA TEMP
BUST TYPE: E2
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/V//KA

Officina: 5

Alfoldi 17/(Unlisted with E2 Bust)
RIC 643

 

9. Probus - Siscia Secvrit Perp

At number nine, we have another rarity from the mint of Siscia. This reverse design and legend is extremely rare at the mint of Siscia. Variations of Securitas at the mint of Siscia followed the legend SECVRITAS SAECVLI or the rare SECVRITAS PERPETVA. However, those reverses appear earlier in the mint of Siscia’s timeline during the INV obverse legend period and are of a different engraving style. 

The obverse and reverse dies of this SECVRIT PERP example decently resembles the style of the parallel SECVRIT PERP issues of Ticinum, but this example is still from Siscia.

Observing the very few examples of this SECVRIT PERP reverses that exist, it is entirely possible that this design was only struck at Siscia with one reverse die. This coin is also plated in “LE REGNE DE L'EMPEREUR PROBUS” by Stéphane Hiland and Christophe Oliva.

OBVERSE: IMP C PROBVS PF AVG
REVERSE: SECVRIT PERP
BUST TYPE: B
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//XXIV

Emission: 4

Officina: 5

WEIGHT 3.7g / AXIS: 12h / DIAMETER: 23mm

Alfoldi 067/002
RIC 757

Ex. Roma Esale 113, lot 1193. Collection of Barnaba Skibniewski.

Ex. Paul Francis Jacquier auction 45, lot 1566. Philippe Gysen Collection

 

8. Probus - Siscia Soli Invicto Double Strike Overstrike

A very interesting and perfectly preserved from the mint of Siscia. This 100% fully silvered Probus featured him in a consular mantle on the obverse holding a scepter in the normal H2 Bust. However, the reverse is where it is interesting. 

First, the SOLI INVICTO design is present which was run for a lengthy amount of time at Siscia during Probus’s reign. But what is more interesting is the left side of the reverse where the legend breaks down and reveals “VIR” and “TV” which are separated at different levels. The SOLI INVICTO reverse is overstruck on a VIRTVS PROBI AVG reverse, but an extremely rare variant of that reverse where Mars while walking towards the right with a trophy on his shoulder has the addition of two captives on either side of him. 

What exists of the undertype is part of the captive, the trophy, and a fragment of the reverse legend. This rare reverse was actually double struck which is seen with that level separation of “VIR” and “TV” before then being overstruck by the SOLI INVICTO reverse. 

OBVERSE: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG
REVERSE: SOLI INVICTO (QUADRIGA TO LEFT)

BUST TYPE: H2
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//XXIT

Emission: 6

Officina: 3

WEIGHT 3.0g / AXIS: 12h / WIDTH 21-24mm
RIC 767
ALFOLDI 076.147 (14 ex. cited)

Note: Overstruck on Alfoldi 94 / RIC 810. Mars walking right with 2 captives undertype

 

7. Probus - Siscia E8 Heroic Aegis Bust

A very special and rare bust for the mint of Siscia described as “Radiate and helmeted bust of Probus on the left in heroic nudity carrying the aegis on the left shoulder and a spear pointed forward”. This type of bust with the heroically nude stance in aegis is a very neat bust type that, under Probus, mostly appears at the mint of Ticinum as a rare issue, but also at Rome and Siscia. Though the helmeted variety only appears at Ticinum and Siscia. Siscia is the rarest mint to find this bust type for any variation of it. 

For this bust type at Siscia, in my studies I have only encountered a small handful, probably about visible 5-6ish examples. For the VIRTVS PROBI AVG reverse with Q/XXI as the Officina and exergue markings it is also unlisted in Alföldi. These antoniniani are only probably struck with two different obverse dies with my example being the die I wanted most out of the two.

 

OBVERSE: IMP C M AVR PROBVS PF AVG
REVERSE: VIRTVS PROBI AVG
BUST TYPE: E8
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/Q//XXI

Emission: 5

Officina: 4

WEIGHT 3.77g / DIAMETER: 22mm

Alfoldi 96/(Unlisted)
RIC 811

 

6. Probus - Siscia E1 Double Adventus 

This Probus was a very nice addition earlier this year when I spotted it for sale. With a boldly struck reverse, a nice military bust of Probus, and decent silvering it was an instant buy. 

This coin features a scene of the Adventus, or Probus’s entrance, to the city of Siscia in around mid-277 CE on his march to Rome. With a rarer obverse legend for the mint, VIRTVS PROBI AVG (virtue of the emperor Probus), this is a special issue taken with extreme care to engrave. Probus on the obverse is featured in a cuirassed bust carrying a shield and spear while wearing a pseudo-corinthian helmet with the radiate crown, symbol of the antoninianus, embedded within. What is interesting to note is that the shield is engraved with the scene of Adventus with Probus in the back on a horse and a row of soldiers carrying shields in the foreground. The reverse is engraved with another scene of the Adventus with Probus on horseback and hand raised. A captive is seated below the horse. So with the obverse and reverse both containing scenes of the Adventus it really is a fun die paring to have on a coin.

OBVERSE: VIRTVS PROBI AVG
REVERSE: ADVENTVS PROBI AVG

BUST TYPE: E1
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//XXIς

Emission: 3

Officina: 6

WEIGHT 4.7g / AXIS: 12h / WIDTH 22mm
RIC: 634
ALFOLDI 009/033

 

5. Probus - Siscia VIR-2 at Siscia 

The VIR variations of the VIRTVS PROBI AVG reverses are noted by the late Philippe Gysen in his paper “Nouvelles données concernant L'Atelier De Serdica Sous Le Régne De Probus” which are VIR-1 and VIR-2. VIR-1 involves a scene of Probus on horseback spearing a fallen enemy with an exergue line, acting as the ground, separating the exergue from the rest of the scene. VIR-2 on the other hand blends both the exergue markings and the scene together into one fluid reverse design that involves a more dynamic pose for the emperor on horseback. Gysen dates the VIR-1 types to the initial emission at Serdica before a hiatus in 277 CE while the VIR-2 is said to be in the year 280 CE when the mint reopens. 

 

This coin here is an example of the VIR-2 reverse, but from Siscia? After the Serdica mint closed in 277 CE, Probus had moved them to the mint of Siscia so on some of the mid-277 CE issues of coinage you can find some holdovers from the engravers of the mint of Serdica in the style of engraving or a reverse design here or there. Another coin later on the list is a very obvious fact of that move. Since the reverse of this Siscia example is a VIR-2 it predates Gysens dating for the mint of Serdica by three years for the design. It is probable that the VIR-2 reverses were actually struck in 277 CE before the closure of the mint of Serdica and then briefly struck at the mint of Siscia alongside the VIR-1 types before those designs were ended all together a little time later and the style of engraving shifted and the latin officina system was introduced. This VIR-2 reverse with the VIRTVS PROBI AVG legends seems to be unlisted in Alföldi at least with the XXIB markings. Closest that there is seems to be a B//XXI mark, but that is only in drawing by Alföldi. The VIR-2 design with a different reverse legend at Siscia briefly in the same timeframe as the VIR-2 VIRTVS PROBI AVG reverse. This other reverse legend is the VIRTVS AVGVSTI legend which actually has variants containing the VIR-2 design in both latin and greek officina letters, so it would be at the point of transition for the mint.

OBVERSE: IMP C M AVR PROBVS PF AVG
REVERSE: VIRTVS PROBI AVG

BUST TYPE: H2
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//XXIB

Emission: 3

Officina: 2

RIC: 817
ALFOLDI 097/(Unlisted)

 

4. Diocletian - Lugdunum Bastien Double Plate Coin

A very rare pick up from CNG a few months ago. A Diocletian antoninianus which is plated in Bastien's "Le Monnayage De L'Atelier De Lyon: Diocletian Et Ses Coregents Avant La Reforme Monetaire (285-294)” from 1972. This coin is an example of type 311c for the Bastien references which are the main point of reference material for the mint of Lugdunum in the late third century. This coin is actually plated twice in Bastien: Once as the example for type 311c and then again as the example of the H bust for the whole reference book!

What makes a lot of Bastien plates interesting is that a lot of them are from public collections so they are not accessible to buy to the private collector. This coin is one of those few examples that is from a private collection that was plated. It is also plated in the main publication and not in any supplement volumes.

OBVERSE: IMP DIOCLETIANVS P AVG

REVERSE: IOVI AVGG

BUST TYPE: H

FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//A

Emission: 7

Officina: 1

Mint: Lugdunum

WEIGHT 4.28g / AXIS: 7h / DIAMETER: 22mm

Bastien 311c (this coin). Plate XXII

 

Ex. Cng E-sale 544, Lot 558

Ex. Leu Numismatic Web Auction 11 (February 22nd, 2020), Lot 1907

Ex. Münzen und Medaillen GmbH 43 (26th February, 2016), Lot 559

Ex. The New York Sale Auction 25 (January 5th, 2012), Lot 243

Ex. G. Gautier Collection

Plated: Le Monnayage De L'Atelier De Lyon: Diocletian Et Ses Coregents Avant La Reforme Monetaire (285-294). 1972. Plate XXII

 

3. Probus - Siscia Clementia Temp Q/KA

A very big win for me for research purposes. An antoninianus with the CLEMENTIA TEMP reverse. Sharply struck on the obverse with a weaker strike on the reverse. It is another KA exergue coin, so obviously it had to enter my collection when I first saw it for sale. It is also unlisted in Alföldi. I know I have a lot of coins on this list that aren’t listed in Alföldi and that makes it seem like he has nothing listed in that publication lmao. But in reality, he has a lot. He had access to many museum collections and even the Vienna collection of thousands of Probus. Hundreds upon hundreds of variations are in Alföldi, I just happen to find the ones not in there. This coin is one of a few personal favorites. 

OBVERSE: IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG
REVERSE: CLEMENTIA TEMP

BUST TYPE: H2
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: Q//KA

WEIGHT 4.1g / AXIS: 6h / DIAMETER: 22 mm

RIC 644
ALFOLDI 017 / (Unlisted)

 

2. Probus - Siscia Adventvs E1 Pegasus

Okay so technically I bought this last year in the last three days, but it didn’t arrive until this year so it counts.

This is a very special die for Probus and in my opinion one of the best engraved ones for him. Featuring a bold portrait of Probus in a pseudo-corinthian helmet holding a shield and spear it is engraved in a style that is better than most. The shield is actually a noteworthy engraving detail and it features a pegasus moving to the right. This obverse die actually appears on both XXI and KA issues of the ADVENTVS PROBI AVG reverse and I was lucky enough to find the KA version at auction. This coin is a specific die that is desired by Probus collectors due to its style and rarity. Through my research I am only aware of 11 coins total featuring this obverse die.

OBVERSE: VIRTVS PROBI AVG
REVERSE: ADVENTVS PROBI AVG

BUST TYPE: E1 = Radiate, cuirassed and helmeted bust left, hodling spear and shield (decorated with Pegasus)
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//KA

WEIGHT 3.9 g / Axis: 6h / DIAMETER: 23 mm

RIC 634 (RIC does not mention any shield decorations)
ALFOLDI 009 / (UNLISTED!)

 

1. Probus - Siscia Deo Et Domino

Written about here about the importance of this discovery and coin. 

OBVERSE: DEO ET DOMINO PROBO AVG
REVERSE: VIRTVS PROBI AVG
BUST TYPE: H
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//XXIVII

 

WEIGHT 3.4g / AXIS: 12h / DIAMETER: 23mm

 

Alfoldi 097/(Unlisted with this obverse legend)

2nd known example of DEO ET DOMINO for Siscia

Nice one! Hopefully there are some more rarities in that collection you picked up (hopefully any Probus from Siscia amongst them haha). 

I've been fairly picky about what I've wanted to add to my collection for the heroically nude busts. Many of Probus's ones are from Ticinum, but I wanted a Siscia. So far my only two examples are from Siscia being a Claudius II and a Probus. Surprisingly, the Probus is the more scarce of the two for the mint of Siscia with only just a few known which works better for me since thats my specialty! I was quite pleased about this example as it was the specific one out of the two obverse dies for the mint that I wanted. 

OBVERSE: IMP C M AVR PROBVS PF AVG
REVERSE: VIRTVS PROBI AVG
BUST TYPE: E8
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/Q//XXI

Emission: 5

Officina: 4

WEIGHT 3.77g / AXIS: - / DIAMETER: 22mm

Alfoldi 96/(Unlisted)
RIC 811

OBVERSE: IMP CLAVDIVS AVG
REVERSE: SPES AVG
BUST TYPE: L1I
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/II//-

Emission: 3

Officina: 2

Weight: 3.35g / Axis: 12h / Diameter: 19.5 mm

RIC 191 var
RIC Temp 716

I see Adventus and I must post Probus! The four below are Adventvs issues of Probus from his visit to Siscia on his march westward to Rome in 277 CE. The Adventvs coins were struck during Probus's time in the city of Siscia and very shortly after. The bottom coin is specifically an adventvs donativa issue.

BASTIEN PLATE COIN

This is a favorite non-Probus coin of mine. A plate coin from Bastien. These are generally hard to come by as many of the Bastien plate coins are from museums rather than private collections. 

 

OBVERSE: IMP DIOCLETIANVS P AVG
REVERSE: IOVI AVGG

BUST TYPE: H
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//A

Mint: Lugdunum

WEIGHT 4.28g / AXIS: 7h / DIAMETER: 22mm

Bastien 311c (this coin). Plate XXII

This is a plate coin in Bastien's "Le Monnayage De L'Atelier De Lyon: Diocletian Et Ses Coregents Avant La Reforme Monetaire (285-294). 1972"

Ex. Cng E-sale 544, Lot 558

Ex. Leu Numismatic Web Auction 11 (February 22nd, 2020), Lot 1907

Ex. Münzen und Medaillen GmbH 43 (26th February, 2016), Lot 559

Ex. The New York Sale Auction 25 (January 5th, 2012), Lot 243

Ex. G. Gautier Collection

Only two Carus in my collection, a blank exergue donativa (previously in the Gysen collection) from Rome and a posthumus issue from Lugdunum. 

Anything Probus related and I'm there. All Siscia and keeping it to a few of the interesting/nicely preserved reverse types from the mint so I don't add to many to the post!

This last one apologies for the picture quality but had to include it. One of the rarest reverses for the Nostri series of antoniniani produced at Siscia under Probus. Still in the mail.

 

Obv: VIRTVS PROBI AVG

Rev: VIRTVS AVGVSTI N

Bust: E1

Exergue: XXIς

Alfoldi 93/2 (1 Example Cited)

 

1. 

OBVERSE: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG
REVERSE: MARS INVICTVS

BUST TYPE: B1 (Estiot)
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//XXI

Emission: 10 (Phase 1)

Officina: -

Mint: Cyzicus

WEIGHT 3.5g / AXIS: 6h / DIAMETER: 20-21mm

RIC: 358

RIC Temp: 3097

LV 10698-714

 

2.

OBVERSE: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG
REVERSE: ORIEN AVG (sic)

BUST TYPE: B1 (Estiot)
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//Q

Emission: 5

Officina: 4

Mint: Rome

WEIGHT 3.5g / AXIS: 4h / DIAMETER: 18-20mm

RIC Temp: 1676

LV 211-5

Note: Engraver error "ORIEN AVG" rather than "ORIENS AVG", noted by Estiot by an example from the Gloucester Hoard (Gloucester 92)

 

3.

OBVERSE: AVRELIANVS AVG
REVERSE: ORIENS AVG

BUST TYPE: B1 (Estiot)
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//V

Emission: 6.2

Officina: -

Mint: Rome

WEIGHT 3.88g / AXIS: 4h / DIAMETER: 22mm

RIC Temp: 1711

 

4.

OBVERSE: IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG
REVERSE: ORIENS AVG

BUST TYPE: B1 (Estiot)
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//XXIQ

Emission: 9 (Phase 1)

Officina: 4

Mint: Siscia

WEIGHT 4.1g / AXIS: 6h / DIAMETER: 21mm

RIC: 255

RIC Temp: 2379

LV 8716-37

 

5.

OBVERSE: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG
REVERSE: FIDES EXERCITI

BUST TYPE: B1 (Estiot)
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//-

Emission: 1

Officina: -

Mint: Uncertain Balkans Mint

WEIGHT 3.5g / AXIS: 6h / DIAMETER: 20-21mm

RIC: 393

RIC Temp: 2445

LV 8945-7

8 hours ago, Tejas said:

Great coins. I have 30 Probus antoniniani from Siscia, but none with KA in exergue.

Here is one with the rare military bust

 

 

Fantastic and very sharply struck! I have from the 5th officina about three of these E2 busts over my time collecting so far. But I do remember out of your 30 Siscia Probus that you also have that fantastic D7 Bust Adventvs from Noonans. I had watched that one hammer live. 

Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG

Rev: VIRTVS PROBI AVG

Year: 277 CE

Officina: 5

Exergue: -/-//XXIV

Bust: E2

Alfoldi: 096/170

Note: An obverse die match to my V/KA E2 Probus Antoninianus

 

Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS PF AVG

Rev: PM TR P COS PP

Year: 277 CE

Officina: 5

Exergue: -/-//XXIV

Bust: E2

Alfoldi: 096/(Unlisted)

 

My main focus is collecting coinage of Probus and mainly from the mint of Siscia. A very specific series I go out of my way to collect is the rare KA series of Probus from this mint as I have been researching the series for quite some time now. This month I was able to bring the count of the number of examples of this series that I own up to 16. 

Two examples come from the same group lot at Rauch and have recently arrived.

Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG

Rev: CLEMENTIA TEMP

Year: 277 CE

Officina: 5

Exergue: -/V//KA

Bust: E2

Alfoldi: 017/(Unlisted)

 

Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG

Rev: CLEMENTIA TEMP

Year: 277 CE

Officina: 4

Exergue: -/Q//KA

Bust: H2

Alfoldi: 017/007

 

The example from the 5th officina is seemingly unique at the moment as in my goal of searching for every KA coinage example that is known, this bust type had not yet appeared in my studies for this officina. Although I did not doubt that it existed due to similar trends of the 4th officina for which I have an E2 KA exergue example from Roma ESale 108 earlier this year. 

Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS PF AVG

Rev: CLEMENTIA TEMP

Year: 277 CE

Officina: 4

Exergue: -/Q//KA

Bust: E2

Alfoldi: 017/(Unlisted)

 

The Rauch H2 consular bust KA from the 4th officina is the 14th example of that reverse at the officina that I can account for by image but accounting for the consular bust it is the 7th example known to me. Going by the reverse dies of the 4th officina that I have studied, it is the 2nd example known to me. The 1st example also being owned by me from the collections of Barnaba Skibniewski and Philippe Gysen. Both examples that I own of this reverse die also share an obverse die, so a double die match. 

Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG

Rev: CLEMENTIA TEMP

Year: 277 CE

Officina: 4

Exergue: -/Q//KA

Bust: H2

Alfoldi: 017/007

 

Every now and then an example of this series will appear on market and usually I will try to add it to my collection alongside some other Siscia Probus antoniniani. Recently also added a very rare E8 Probus from Siscia to my collection, one of the hardest mints to get the aegis bust Probus from with only a handful of examples known. One day I'll find an E8 KA exergue to buy! But for now I have settled with an obverse die match to one!

Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS PF AVG

Rev: VIRTVS PROBI AVG

Year: 277 CE

Officina: 4

Exergue: -/-/Q/XXI

Bust: E8

Alfoldi: 096/(Unlisted)

 

If anyone has any KA exergue Siscia Probus to share, I would love to account for it in my studies. Although for the most part, I've search near and far for the amount of examples I have already been able to account for by image. Even though for the most part my research has concluded for the KA series and I have all the necessary information to finish writing a paper (I just need to find time to finish typing it all down!), my die study tables can always account for any more examples. 

Or if you have any Probus from Siscia in general to share, feel free to post. The more examples I have to look through the better!

 

Probus is very well known for his variety of coinage during his reign from 276 to 282 CE and especially with his varied use of Obverse legends. Many of these obverse legends ranged from the simple PROBVS AVG to BONO IMP C M AVR PROBO INVICT AVG and VIRTVS PROBI INVICTI AVG. However, one stand out legend from the mint of Serdica is the Deo Et Domino series of obverse legends. Meaning "God and Lord", some rarities at the mint of Serdica contain this phrase in the obverse legend such as IMP DEO ET DOMINO PROBO AVG. These Deo Et Domino command a hefty premium in terms of the coinage of Probus whenever they seldom appear at auction. In literature, the obverse legend and its variants are cited only for the mint of Serdica. This includes RIC V.2 and even most Probus specific literature.

 

But did you know that they also struck these at Siscia?

Obverse: DEO ET DOMINO PROBO AVG

Reverse: VIRTVS PROBI AVG / XXIVII

Officina: 7

Bust: H

3.4 grams

23 mm

The second Deo et Domino example known for the mint of Siscia and the only one with the VIRTVS PROBI AVG reverse. 

 

Generally, Siscia is presented with having these obverse legends:

1. PROBVS AVG
2. IMP PROBVS AVG
3. IMP PROBVS P AVG
4. IMP PROBVS P F AVG
5. IMP C PROBVS AVG 
6. IMP C PROBVS P AVG
7. IMP C PROBVS P F AVG
8. IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG
9. IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG
10. IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG
11. IMP PROBVS INV AVG  
12. IMP C M PROBVS INVICT AVG
13. IMP C M PROBVS INVICT P AVG
14. VIRTVS PROBI AVG 
15. IMP PRBVS P F AVG (sic)

However, what is interesting is that when Probus usurped the imperial title in 276 CE he moved west towards Rome with his army while closing down many of the mints along his route. These closed mints had their engravers taken along with Probus where they would be redistributed among other mints that would still be open. When Probus closed down the Serdica mint, these engravers who had already been outputting coins of Probus for a decent amount of time were transferred to the mint of Siscia where a new 7th Officina was opened to support the new engravers as well as increase output. 

Lots of stylistic similarities appear between the first series of Serdica's coinage and Siscia's coinage after the transfer of the engravers, but almost none more obvious than this Deo et Domino obverse legend. This legend appears very rarely at Siscia in this 7th Officina and only on one singular die. It is evidently a hold over from the mint of Serdica and engraved by one of those transferred engravers at Siscia. This obverse legend for Siscia has not been sold at auction before to my knowledge and also to others after conferring with them. The Feinstein collection example below I and others are unaware of its purchase origins.

The only mention of one in literature would be in Sylviane Estiot's "L’Empereur et l’usurpateur: un 4e atelier oriental sous Probus" where an example with the same obverse die is shown however with a Soli Invicto reverse also from the 7th Officina and is currently located in a "Private Collection FE" in the paper. Photo below:

Obverse: DEO ET DOMINO PROBO AVG

Reverse: SOLI INIVCTO / XXIVII

Officina: 7

Bust: H

Collection: Feinstein (Private)

 

The example first shown and shown again below is now mine. Purchased from the N&N London auction run the other day and hammering for 600 gbp where it had been misidentified as being from Serdica which would make sense as the Siscia type is not currently in references. Well, not until Sylvaine Estiot publishes the rework on RIC V.2.

Nicest style for a reverse for the Fel Temp fallen horseman type you will probably find. 

Constantius II AE 2

Mint: Antioch, 2nd Officina

Obv: DN CONSTANTIVS PF AVG

Rev: FEL TEMP REPARATIO; Γ in left field, ANB in exergue 

 

24 mm

4.94 grams

RIC VII 135

Hey All,

Saw the another post on the forum about an unpublished Vespasian Ephesian Bronze from @David Atherton and it had reminded me that I also have an unpublished type except this one being an Sestertius Issue from the mint of Rome under Marcus Aurelius. Thanks for the reminder! I haven't looked at mine in a while since I've been stumped.

Marcus Aurelius (161-180 CE)

Obv: M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG ARMENIACVS P M (probably)

Rev: TR P XX IMP III COS III / PACI AVG S C

30 mm

21.7 grams

 

An interesting coin which seems to be unpublished in RIC or much of anywhere else, like Dinsdale, that I could see for Marcus Aurelius himself. However, this reverse is known for a single Sestertius example, as far as I could find, in the British Museum also in a similar condition but with the legends and bust corresponding Lucius Verus. It is the only other example I have been able to find for a while now and this type for Verus is listed in RIC. If anyone has seen more than just these two examples I would be curious to see. 

Obv: L VERVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX

Rev:  TR POT VI IMP III COS II / PACI AVG S C

mm not listed

26.7 grams

https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/C_R-14573

 

 

Not the best obverse with the surfaces. But the reverse is probably one of the best engraving styles I have ever seen for a fallen horseman. Some engraver at the second officina of Antioch really did a bang up job engraving in such high detail, the armor is fantastically engraved. 

Constantius II

AE 2

Mint: Antioch

Officina: 2nd

Obv: DN CONSTANTIVS PF AVG

Rev: FEL TEMP REPARATIO; Γ in left field, ANB in exergue 

RIC VII 135

Whew! Thought I missed Probus posting time. Would look bad if I missed posting stuff from my core collection! I would post about some fruitful research I have been doing some coinage but alas it will stay secret for the moment! I think I'll stick with the military E1 busts this time around for the art gallery. 

Obv: IMP C PROBVS P AVG

Rev: CLEMENTIA TEMP / ᴗ/KA

Mint: Siscia

Emission: 7

Officina: 2

Bust: E1 with a parma shield

Note: 1 of 4 known. Part of the Siscia KA series.

Obv: VIRTVS PROBI AVG

Rev: ADVENTVS PROBI AVG /-//XXIς 

Mint: Siscia

Emission: 3

Officina: 6

Bust: E1 with a scene of adventvs on the shield

Obv: VIRTVS PROBI AVG

Rev: ADVENTVS PROBI AVG / KA

Mint: Siscia

Emission: 2

Officina: 3

Bust: E1

Note: Part of the rare KA series of Siscia

Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG

Rev: MARS VICTOR / III

Mint: Lugdunum

Emission: 5

Officina: 3

Bust: E1 bust with attic-styled helmet

 

The day of Probus draws ever closer. But in the meantime, here are some of my Aurelian Antoniniani.  

Aurelian

Denomination: Antoniniani

Mint: Rome
Autumn 273

Obv: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG
Rev: ORIEN AVG (sic)

Exergue:-/-//Q

Ref: RIC Online 1671 (sic)

Note: Spelling error on part of the engraver. ORIEN AVG rather than ORIENS AVG

Aurelian

Denomination: Antoniniani

Mint: Cyzicus
Spring 273 – spring 274

Obv: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG
Rev: RESTITVTOR ORBIS

Exergue:-/-//-

Ref: RIC Online 2997

Aurelian

Denomination: Antoniniani

Mint: Uncertain Balkan mint
End 271 – autumn 272

Obv: IMP AVRELIANVS AVG
Rev: FIDES EXERCITI

Exergue:-/-//-

Ref: RIC Online 2445

My usual go to for nice looking 3rd Century artistry and Probus in general. 

Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG

Rev: MARS VICTOR / III

Mint: Lugdunum

Emission: 5

Officina: 3

Bust: E1 bust with attic-styled helmet

 

Obv: VIRTVS PROBI AVG

Rev: ADVENTVS PROBI AVG / KA

Mint: Siscia

Emission: 2

Officina: 3

Bust: E1

Part of the rare KA series from Siscia

I know this thread is old, but it's always good time for some Probus posting nonetheless! A lot of what you will see are some rarer or nice ones from Siscia, but one of the posted coins is from Lugdunum and one from Rome.

 

Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG

Rev: MARS VICTOR / III

Mint: Lugdunum

Emission: 5

Officina: 3

Bust: E1 bust with attic-styled helmet

Obv: VIRTVS PROBI AVG

Rev: ADVENTVS PROBI AVG / KA

Mint: Siscia

Emission: 2

Officina: 3

Bust: E1

Note: Part of a rare greek equivalent KA issued coins from Siscia which is normally known as a mint that produces coins with XXI in exergue.  @dougsmit and I share a die match with our Virtvs Probi Avg / Adventvs Probi Avg with KA in exergue antoniniani from Siscia, which makes sense as the issue is exceptionally rare. Currently trying to track find some provenances for a lot of KA issued coins, so if anyone has any that has a known location where it was found let me know! 

Obv: IMP C PROBVS P AVG

Rev: CLEMENTIA TEMP / ᴗ/KA

Mint: Siscia

Emission: 7

Officina: 2

Bust: E1 with a parma shield

Note: 1 of 4 known. Part of the Siscia KA series.

Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG

Rev: CLEMANTIA TEMP / P/KA

Mint: Siscia

Emission: 7

Officina: 1

Bust: H2

Note: Part of the Siscia KA series. 

Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG

Rev: CLEMENTIA TEMP / Q/KA

Mint: Siscia

Emission: 7

Officina: 4

Bust: H2

Note: Part of the Siscia KA series

Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG

Rev: VICTORIAE AVG

Mint: Siscia

Emission: 4

Officina: 1

Note: This reverse design is only used in one instance in the entire of Probus coinage. It only appears in the 4th emission of Siscia and only appears with KA in exergue. 

Obv: IMP PROBVS PF AVG

Rev: ORIENS AVG / T/XXI

Mint: Siscia

Emission: 7

Officina: 3

Bust: B

Obv: IMP PROBVS PF AVG

Rev: PAX AVGVSTI / S/XXI

Mint: Siscia

Emission: 7

Officina: 2

Bust: B1

Note: I believe not listed with a B1 bust

Obv: IMP PROBVS PF AVG

Rev: PAX AVGVSTI

Mint: Siscia

Emission: 7

Officina: 4

Bust: E2

Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS PF AVG

Rev: PM TRP COS PP / XXIQ

Mint: Siscia

Emission: 4

Officina: 4

Bust: E1

Obv: IMP PROBVS PF AVG

Rev: LAETITIA AVG

Mint: Siscia

Emission: 5 

Officina: 5

Bust: B

Obv: IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG

Rev: ADVENTVS PROBI AVG / RΔ

Mint: Rome

Emission: 2

Officina: 4

Bust: A

Lovely Medusa on the 3rd officina Adventus and great strike and silvering on the 4th officina Adventus. For as uncommon the E1 bust is at Lugdunum, a lot of them are engraved so nicely. But sadly, those die engravers at Lugdunum do really love their B type busts of Probus.