Probus BI Antoninianus (ROMAE AETERNAE, RIC V.2 194 var.)

PROBUS, AD 276-282
BI Antoninianus (23.7mm, 3.95g, 11h)
Struck AD 278. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP C P-RO-BVS AVG, radiate, helmeted, and cuirassed bust of Probus left, right hand holding spear over right shoulder, left hand holding shield
Reverse: ROMAE AETERNAE, Roma seated facing in hexastyle temple, holding Victory and scepter; RZ in exergue
References: RIC V.2 194 var. (mintmark); RCV 12027 var. (obv. leg.); ERIC II – .

Very rare with this mintmark and not listed in RIC. Good flan and strike, with a fine militaristic portrait of Probus. The reverse is an interesting type, showing a six-columned temple with the inscription to “Eternal Rome” – a message which, in the late 3rd century AD, was remarkably optimistic.

Collection : Roman Imperial - the Military Anarchy