Probus, 276 – 282
Aureus, Serdica 276-282, AV 5.64 g. IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust l., holding spear and shield over shoulder. Rev. VICTORIAE Victory in slow quadriga l., holding wreath and palm branch; in exergue, AVG. C 781 var. (with aegis). RIC 831. Biaggi 1628 (this coin). Calicó 4222 (this coin).
Very rare. A magnificent portrait of fine style struck on a large flan,
lovely light reddish tone and extremely fine

Ex Hess 3 May 1951, 264 and NAC 49, 2008, B.d.B, 401 and NAC 117, 2019, 339 sales. From the Biaggi and Retired Banker collections.

Probus' predecessor, Aurelian, paid close attention to coinage, and at great risk and expense succeeded in reforming his empire's ailing coinage by increasing purities, weights, and by re-introducing old denominations. Though Probus did not attempt any such reform of the core denominations, he more or less abandoned Aurelian's re-introduced denominations. Probus' coinage reform did not involve purity or weight, but rather design and tenor: Probus introduced the militant bust on a scale that never before had been seen on Roman coinage. Prior to his reign it was unusual to see an armoured bust with spear and shield and especially to see the emperor wearing a helmet. Here we have the terrifying bust of an emperor ever-prepared to attack or defend on behalf of his empire. The helmet is elaborately decorated and crowned with a laurel wreath; the spear is in the prone position, and the shield is raised in defence.
The impact of this war regalia is amplified by the 'heroic bust' composition, which harkens back to earlier numismatic prototypes. Probus' intention, no doubt, was to demonstrate the strength of his regime and to show the possessor of this beautiful aureus that Rome's future was secured by the strength of his command.
If the obverse was meant to communicate Probus' unquestioned military supremacy, the elegant, noble reverse suggests the same level of confidence in the emperor's legislative authority.

Graded AU Strike 5/5 Surface 3/5, NCG certification number 6157263-004