Probus

An Illyrian career soldier and one of the most capable military emperors, Probus spent his entire reign campaigning across the empire's frontiers. He defeated Germanic invasions, suppressed multiple usurpers, and reportedly settled barbarian captives within the empire. His soldiers murdered him, reportedly resentful of being used for civilian labor projects.

Probus continued Aurelian's work of restoring imperial authority and securing the frontiers, demonstrating that the crisis could be managed through vigorous military leadership. His prolific coinage from numerous mints reflects the ongoing decentralization of the empire's administration.

Key Events

276 AD Accession after the murder of Florianus; recognized by the Senate

277 AD Major campaigns in Gaul against the Franks and Alamanni

278 AD Campaigns in Raetia and the Danube region against Vandals and Burgundians

280 AD Suppressed the revolts of Saturninus in the East, Proculus and Bonosus in Gaul

281 AD Celebrated a magnificent triumph in Rome

282 AD Killed by soldiers at Sirmium, allegedly angered by forced drainage work

Coinage

Probus's coinage is remarkably varied in its iconography, with an extraordinary range of reverse types and bust varieties. His antoniniani from multiple mints display creative and sometimes experimental designs, making them a rewarding collecting area despite their general affordability.

Denominations

Aureus Antoninianus (reformed, marked XXI/KA)

Notable Types

Sol in quadriga types
ADVENTVS AVG horseback types
VIRTVS PROBI AVG types
Diverse bust varieties (consular, helmeted, shield)

Common Reverses

ADVENTVS AVG CLEMENTIA TEMP CONCORDIA MILITVM FIDES MILITVM PAX AVG RESTITVT ORBIS SOLI INVICTO VIRTVS PROBI AVG

Active Mints

Rome Lyon (Lugdunum) Siscia Serdica Cyzicus Antioch Ticinum Tripolis

Key Events

Coinage

Further Reading