Probus, Antoninianus, 277
Serdika - Billon - AU(55-58) - RIC:837var
Bust of Probus, helmeted, radiate, cuirassed, left, holding spear in right hand and shield in left hand.
Probus, riding left, raising right hand and holding sceptre in left hand; at his feet, captive
Extremely rare specimen. Probably the second known example for this type and mint. The mintmark is a variety, the Serdica mint normally signs with a "KA", however here only the officine Δ is mentioned. This coin is uncertainly attributed to a first phase for the third issue of the Serdica mint, but there is a parallel with the same reverse for a second phase of the mint's third issue. This parallel makes it possible to make this attribution to the Serdica mint and means that this coin is extremely rare. This coin published at Probus Coins Online (https://probuscoins.fr/); From the collection of a Polish connoisseur of Probus coins; Ex Philippe Gysen Collection, Paul-Francis Jacquier, Auction 45, 14 September 2018, lot 1640.
VIRTVS PROBI AVG
ADVENTVS PROBI AVG // Δ
3.55 gr
An “AU(55-58)” quality
As in numismatics, it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
About Uncirculated(55-58)
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has been in circulation but sufficiently little that its original beauty is preserved almost in its entirety. The wear is barely visible and any other defect can only be identified with a magnifying glass or a particularly keen eye. The number (55-58) indicates that between three quarters and almost all of the original luster remains.