THE COINAGE OF PROBUS

Gold Coinage: Aurei and Biniones

Double Aureus (Binio) Gold ‘Heavy' Aureus. Siscia, AD 277. IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust to right / ORIENS AVGVSTI, Sol standing facing, head to left, raising right hand in salutation and holding globe in left; SIS in exergue. RIC V.2 590 var. 7.34g, 23mm. Roma Numismatics Auction XXIII – 24 March 2022 – Lot: 1068 realized: $26,368

The Roman Empire operated on a gold standard. The aureus contained nearly pure gold. Initially, it weighed about 8 grams. However, emperors gradually reduced the weight:

• Nero: ~7.3 grams
• Caracalla: ~6.5 grams
• Third century: often under 3.5 grams

Even so, gold purity remained high. Therefore, coins often traded by weight.

To pay troops, the empire introduced the double aureus (binio). These coins remain rare today.

For example, a Siscia mint specimen sold for over $26,000 in 2022 .

Portraiture and Imperial Power

Aureus, Serdica 276–282, AV 22 mm, 6.59 g. IMP C M AVR PROBVS P – AVG Helmeted and cuirassed bust l., holding spear in r. hand and shield over l. shoulder. Rev. VICTORIAE Victory in slow quadriga l., holding wreath in r. hand and palm in l.; in exergue, AVG. C 784. RIC 833. Calicó 4229 (these dies). Very rare. A magnificent portrait of fine style perfectly struck in high relief. Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 150 2 December 2024 Lot: 904 realized: $78,847

Probus often appears in military attire. He wears armor and a helmet. He also carries a spear and shield.

A Serdica mint aureus shows exceptional artistry. Auctioneers praised its high relief and fine style. Consequently, it realized over $78,000 in 2024 .

To read the complete article, see:
The Coinage Of Probus (https://coinweek.com/the-coinage-of-probus-276-282-ce/)

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