Probus - Lugdunum - FIDES MILITVM

[maridvnvm]

It has been over two months since I added a coin to my Probus collection. This one has just arrived.

Probus Antoninianus

Obv:- IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust right, with spear (gorgeinon on chest)
Rev:- FIDES MILITVM, Fides standing left, holding two ensigns
Minted in Lugdunum, //III. Emission 5. Officina 3. End A. D. 277 to Early A.D. 278
References : RIC -, Cohen -, Bastien 230 (1 ex.). Bastien Suppl. II increases the example count to 3. This example makes it 4.

A nice obverse but a worn reverse die. Almost fully silvered.

Edited November 11, 2023 by maridvnvm

[Tejas]

Very nice, congratulations. Probus' bust styles are unbeatable.

Here is mine (may be from the same dies as yours):

Edited November 11, 2023 by Tejas

[Roman Collector]

Coingratulations, @maridvnvm! The fourth known example! Overlooked by the condition cranks, undoubtedly. It appears that you and @Tejas have half the world's supply of this coin! I concur that both coins were struck with the same die-pair.

[Ancient Coin Hunter]

Wow that's pretty incredible - what are the chances that two numisforums members own 2 out of 4 known coin types? Remarkable.

[Tejas]

The type is certainly very rare (mine is the coin from the famous Philippe Gysen collection), but I guess a few more may still be around. The same goes for this one here below, of which only 6 coins are said to be known:

 

[maridvnvm]

The Gysen example is one of the four examples noted in Bastien Supplement II.

My example of the TEMPOR FELICI is awful in comparison to @Tejas lovely example

but I do have a few more bust types from the same reverse type from this emission

[Tejas]

Fantastic collection!

I have these other coins with the TEMPOR FELICIT reverse:

The first coin is in spectacular condition. Fully silvered and sharp on a large flan - a feast for the eye of any "condition crank" like me.

 

 

This coin is in great condition as well. It has a very pleasing dark patina an has been minted from fresh dies.

 

 

This coin with the emperor raising his hand is very rare and only the third exemplar known.

 

Edited November 12, 2023 by Tejas

[Ancient Coin Hunter]

Well he certainly wasn't bashful about the military poses!