The Roman Empire
Domitian


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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC MS Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5
Grade Comment: silvering
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

Following the classic pattern of a “Barracks Emperor,” Probus (232-282 AD) joined the Roman military while very young, and by his strength, skill, and swagger became an accomplished military leader. He fought under Emperors Valerian, Aurelian, and then Tactitus. When the latter died in 276 AD, Probus’ troops decided it was his turn to take the Throne. However, Tactitus’ half brother, Florian, was also proclaimed Emperor by his own troops. The rivals clashed to settle things; once the battle was going Probus’ way (he was the more experienced general after all), Florian was assassinated by his disappointed troops. After punishing Tacitus’ murderers, the new Emperor Probus, not surprisingly, concentrated on his agenda of military conquests. Inspired by his predecessors' accomplishments, Probus spent years compiling a lengthy list of defeated enemies: the Alamanni, Longiones, Franks, Burgundians, Vandals, and Sarmatians. In addition to his military campaigning, Probus also had to deal with his fair share of usurpers, who were thwarted one way or another. Probus realized his vast armies could be used for more than just fighting; they could also be employed for civil projects. He famously used his soldiers’ down time to complete the Roman walls initiated by Aurelian, plant vineyards, and conduct building repairs in dozens of cities across the Empire that had been reduced to ruins. After routing the Blemmyes in Egypt, Probus ordered large-scale reconstruction of the dikes, canals, and bridges along the Nile; such ambitious projects had not been attempted since the reign of Augustus. Also erected or repaired were many roads, bridges and temples, facilitating communications and worship. When it came to Probus’ own religious affiliation, he was devoted to Sol Invictus, following in the footsteps of Aurelian, who made it Rome’s official religion in 270 AD. This antoninianus was minted ten years later in Cyzicus, Anatolia. Probus is depicted in ornate fashion, with imperial mantle, holding a eagle-tipped scepter, and, of course, wearing the sun crown. The theme continues on the verso, wherein the radiate-crowned god rides a quadriuga (a four-horse chariot), coming straight at the viewer. No doubt, the image was meant to be imposing, and invite comparisons between Probus and his invincible sun god. Although a effective and formidable commander, Probus was not actually invincible. In another parallel to Aurelian, Emperor Probus was assassinated by his own troops in 282 AD while preparing to move against Persia. Apparently, the troops were battle-weary, suffering from Probus’ strict discipline, and, above all, humiliated and tired of engaging in difficult public works. Following a macabre tradition, the guards proclaimed their commander, Marcus Aurelius Carus, as the new Roman Emperor. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Probus, 276-282 AD, Billon Aurelianianus (3.74 g), 280 AD, Third Emission, Cyzicus mint, NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Obverse: Radiate bust left in imperial mantle, eagle-tipped scepter in right hand, IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG, Reverse: Sol in quadriga facing, SOLI INVICTO, CM and XXI(V?) in exergue, Reference: RIC V, Part II, 911.

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