PROBUS MPR 178 SOLD

OBVERSE: VIRTVS PROBI AVG
REVERSE: VIRTVS AVG (Virtvs walking right, holding tropaion)
BUST TYPE: E1 = Radiate, cuirassed and helmeted bust left, holding spear and shield (decorated with Gorgoneion)
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//Rζ
WEIGHT 3.66g / AXIS: 6h / DIAMETER: 21-23mm
MINT: Roma
RIC: 226 var.
MPR: 178 (2 ex. only listed)
COLLECTION NO. 1466

Note: rare and desirable reverse type struck only during the 2nd issue at Rome mint in combination with a military bust with Medusa on shield! This type of shield decoration is generally rare and sought after by collectors. In the coinage of Probus Medusa shields were struck in Lugdunum, Rome, Ticinum, Siscia, Serdica and Kyzikos mints. Each mint had its unique style. The Roman Medusa is particularly elegant, detailed and extremely rare (much rarer than in other mints)

This coin is illustrated in the fundamental work on the first two emmissions of Probus coins from Rome of prof. Sylviane Estiot and the late Philippe Gysen: "L'atelier de Rome au début du règne de Probus (276-277)" published in Revue Numismatique (2006) - see picture no. 60

Provenance: ex Philippe Gysen collection

Collezione : 03 Probus - Roma