Note: These coins appear to have three reverse sub-types.

a) Mars with spear pointing up ↑

b) Mars with sceptre (?) rather than spear, as there are finials on both ends |
This may be a mistake and not intentional.

c) Mars with spear pointing down ↓


Chronology: Pink's 2nd emission of Rome, 277 CE; Guillemain's Period II, 2nd series, 2nd phase (teams B/1), mid-277 to end of 278 CE.


Probus antoninianus RIC 234v.
RIC 234 variant; MPR ?; Hiland-Oliva 728 (this coin); Rome. Bust type F, (B). Denomination: Antoninianus.
Not listed in RIC for this bust type.
OBV.: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG

Radiate, cuirassed bust right.
Lorica musculata with pectoral aegis, a lachrymiform aegis extension on left shoulder, and a Gorgoneion medallion.

REV.: VIRTVS AVGVSTI    Cesures: VIRTVS AVGVSTI

Soldier (Mars 2) standing left, right hand resting on shield, left holding spear.

Mintmark: // RΓ    // RGamma

Weight: 3.92 g.
Die axis: ?
Diameter: 23 mm.

Image provided courtesy of Auctiones GmbH.

Auctiones eAuction 42,  15 November 2015.


Probus antoninianus RIC 234v.
RIC 234 variant; MPR -; Rome. Bust type H variant, (H2) variant. Denomination: Antoninianus.
Rare, apparently unpublished consular bust variant with eagle holding wreath.
OBV.: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG

Radiate bust left in imperial mantle, holding sceptre surmounted by eagle holding a wreath in beak.

REV.: VIRTVS AVGVSTI    Cesures: VIRTVS AV_GVSTI

Soldier (Mars 2) standing left, right hand resting on shield, left holding spear.

Mintmark: // RB    // RBeta

Weight: 3.03 g.
Die axis: ?
Diameter: 23 mm.

Image provided courtesy of Numismatik Naumann

Naumann Auktion 57, 03 September 2017.

Probus antoninianus RIC 234.
RIC 234; MPR 160; Rome. Bust type H, (H2). Denomination: Antoninianus.
OBV.: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG

Radiate bust left in imperial mantle, holding sceptre surmounted by eagle.

REV.: VIRTVS AVGVSTI    Cesures: VIRTVS_AVGVSTI

Soldier (Mars 2) standing left, right hand resting on shield, left holding spear.

Mintmark: // Rε// REpsilon

Weight: 3.75 g.
Die axis: ?
Diameter: ?

Image provided courtesy of Gorny & Mosch, GIESSENER MÜNZHANDLUNG

Gorny & Mosch Auktion 118, 14-15 October 2002


Probus antoninianus RIC 234.
RIC 234; MPR 160; Rome. Bust type H, (H2). Denomination: Antoninianus.
OBV.: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG

Radiate bust left in imperial mantle, holding sceptre surmounted by eagle.

REV.: VIRTVS AVGVSTI    Cesures: VIRTVS A_VGVSTI

Soldier (Mars 2) standing left, right hand resting on shield, left holding spear.

Mintmark: // Rε// REpsilon

Weight: 3.51 g.
Die axis: 12 h.
Diameter: 22 mm.

Image provided courtesy of Barnaba Skibniewski.


Probus antonianus RIC 234.
RIC 234; MPR 160; Rome. Bust type H, (H2). Denomination: Antoninianus.
OBV.: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG

Radiate bust left in imperial mantle, holding sceptre surmounted by eagle.
Divergent wreath ties.

REV.: VIRTVS AVGVSTI    Cesures:  VIRTVS AV_GVSTI

Soldier (Mars 2) standing left, right hand resting on shield, left holding spear.

Mintmark: // Rε/// REpsilon

Image provided courtesy of Dr. Hubert Lanz,   NUMISMATIK LANZ MÜNCHEN

Lanz Auktion 102, 28 May 2001.


Last revision: 13.08.2017