Probus
276-282 AD
(M. Aurelius Probus). Born at Sirmium in 232 AD, Probus adopted the profession of arms and gained rapid promotion until, by the reign of Aurelian, he had become one of the leading generals of the Empire. Soon after the death of Tacitus, he was proclaimed emperor by his troops, and following the murder of Florianus, he became the undisputed master of the Roman world.
His reign was notable not only for his considerable military successes but also for his attempt to restore the economic life of the Empire. One of the themes in his coinage was PAX (Peace). To this end, he introduced viticulture into several of the western provinces, and had he been able to carry out all his plans, the Roman State might have recovered much of its ancient power and prestige. However, in the autumn of 282 AD, he was murdered at Sirmium by a band of rebellious soldiers who were enraged at having been employed in public works instead of military duties.
Monetary System
Mints: Rome; Lugdunum; Ticinum; Siscia, Serdica; Cyzicus; Antioch; Tripolis
Obverse Legends:
PROBVS.P.F.AVG.
IMP C PROBVS P P AVG
IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG
IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG
VIRTVS PROBI AVG
DENOMINATIONS
AU Double Aureus (8.2 grams)
AU Aureus (6.25 grams)
AU Quinarius (2.53 grams)
Æ Antoninianus
Æ Denarius
Æ Denarius (Head lf mantle scepter)
Æ Quinarius
Æ Dupondius
Ӕ As
Ӕ Semis
Æ Tetradrachm (Egypt)
AV Gold Medalion
Æ Medalian
