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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 Tacitus. When the latter died in 276 AD, Probus’ troops decided it was his turn to take the Throne. However, Tacitus’ half brother, Florian, was also proclaimed Emperor by his own troops. The rivals clashed to settle things; once it was clear that the battle was going the more-experienced Probus’ way, Florian’s troops decided to hasten the inevitable, and assassinated their leader.
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 Alemanni, Franks, Burgundians, and Vandals, to name several. In addition to such military campaigns, Probus also had to deal with his fair share of usurpers, who he 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. In Egypt, Probus engaged his troops in large-scale reconstruction of 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.
Probus also supported religion closer to home. He was an avid worshipper of Sol Invictus, following in the footsteps of Aurelian, who elevated the Sun God as Rome’s official deity in 270 AD. Probus’ devotion is evidence by this antoninianus, struck a decade later in Cyzicus, Anatolia. Probus is depicted in ornate fashion, with imperial mantle, holding a eagle-tipped scepter, and, of course, wearing his sun crown. The theme continues on the verso, wherein the radiate-crowned god rides a quadriga (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 an effective and formidable commander, Probus proved vincible. In another parallel to Aurelian, Emperor Probus’ own troops assassinated him in 282 AD, as they prepared to move against the Persians. 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.