NOTE: Variant unlisted by Guillemain. Only the 3rd example known (the other being in Uwe Neumann and beastcoins collections respectively)!
Very rare and desirable mintmark in the form of a vertical crescent instead of the typical horizontal crescent of the 4th emmission at Rome. There are two variants known: left and right; on this example the vertical crescent is left.
Sol was the favorite and most frequently depicted God of the Roman pantheon in Probus' coinage. There are numerous variants of reverses with Sol; however the depiction of Sol in quadriga (left or central/spread) remains undoubtedly an iconic, classis reverse for Probus . This reverse type was struck in Lugdunum, Rome, Ticinum, Siscia, Serdica and Kyzikos mints, with each mint having its unique style.
Virtually as struck with stunning details and full silvering. Magnificent example. One of the best preserved coins in this specialized Probus collection!
Great provenance: ex Klaus Berthold collection = Ex Bank Leu (purchased in 1978).
OBVERSE: IMP PROBVS AVG
REVERSE: SOLI INVICTO; Sol in spread quadriga, holding whip
BUST TYPE: H2 = Radiate bust left in imperial mantle (toga picta and tunica palmata), holding eagle-tipped sceptre (scipio)
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: -/-//R(Vertical crescent to left)B
