★ Imitating Probus ★

UNCERTAIN GERMANIC TRIBES, Pseudo-Imperial coinage. Late 3rd-early 4th centuries. 'Aureus' (Subaeratus, 23 mm, 5.73 g, 12 h), 'Probus Group A'. Imitating Probus, 276-282. IMD C M HIIR PROBIIS P F AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Probus to left, holding spear over his right shoulder and shield on his left. Rev. IIICTORIHE / [A]VC Victory driving slow quadriga to left, holding wreath in her right hand and palm frond in her left. Cf. Calicó 4230 (for prototype). Sergeev 231. With original suspension loop attached. Some breaks in plating, otherwise, very fine.

From the Aurum Barbarorum Collection.

Germanic artists loved to copy the Victory-in-quadriga-reverse of Probus, perhaps because it appealed to their belligerent taste. It is somewhat ironic, then, to think about the historical background of Probus' victory issues, which included his defeats of Germanic tribes. The specific prototype of 'Probus Group A' can be easily identified: it is Calicó 4230.