Note: Medusa on shield. This type of shield is very rare and sought after by collectors. In Probus' coinage Medusa shields were struck in Lugdunum, Rome, Ticinum, Siscia, Serdica and Kyzikos mints. Each mint had its unique style. The Roman Medusa is particularly elegant, detailed and extremely rare (much rarer than in other mints).
A portrait of the finest style. Virtually as struck with spectacular details and full original silvering. A stunning coin, one of the highlights of this collection
One of two finest known examples of a Probus coin with Medusa on shield from the Rome mint! (the other one with Adventvs Probi Avg reverse is in M. Vosper collection = ex Helios 8 lot 512).
OBVERSE: VIRTVS PROBI AVG
REVERSE: ADVENTVS PROBI AVG = Emperor riding on horse left, right hand raised, holding sceptre; captive at foot
BUST TYPE: E1 = radiate, cuirassed and helmeted bust left, holding spear and shield
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//Rζ
WEIGHT 4.69g / AXIS: 6h / DIAMETER: 22-23mm
RIC: 166 VAR. (unlisted with Medusa on shield)
MPR 176 (only 2 examples cited!)