PROBUS RIC 883 SOLD

OBVERSE: IMP M AVR PROBVS P AVG
REVERSE: VIRTVS PROBI AVG (VIR-2)
BUST TYPE: H2 = Radiate bust left in consular robe, holding eagle-tipped sceptre (scipio)
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//KAB
WEIGHT 4.02g / AXIS: 6H / DIAMETER: 22-23mm
RIC 883 (H2 BUST AND KAB MINTMARK UNLISETD)
COLLECTION NO. 1440

Extremely rare obverse legend without the letter "C" [for Ceasar]", which typically precedes Probus' official names: M[arcvs] and AVR[eliuvs]. 

Rare variant of one of Probus' iconic reverses, i.e. the VIRTVS PROBI AVG reverse, with the emperor Probus on horse attacking enemy with spear, lying (not knealing) enemy and no exergual line: type "VIR-2" in Philippe Gysen's classification first published in the article "Nouvelles données concernant l’atelier de Serdica sous le règne de Probus", Revue Belge de Numismatique 146 (2000). The much more popular VIR-1 variant of the VIRTVS PROBI AVG reverse has the exergual line and the enemy is knealing rather than lying.  

This is only the 3rd example of this exact type known in the world!

Provenance: PAUL FRANCIS JACQUIER Auction 46 lot 550 (ex Philippe Gysen collection)

Collezione : 06 Probus - Serdica