Antoninianus of Probus, Clementia Type. Natural Desert Patina.
Ancient Coins - Antoninianus of Probus, Clementia Type. Natural Desert Patina.

Probus was a successful general and a conscientious administrator. During his six-year tenure, he repelled numerous barbarian invasions and quelled several internal revolts. According to Edward Gibbon in The Decline of the Roman Empire, he demonstrated leniency to the vanquished whenever possible. Hence, his most common coinage invokes Clementia, the goddess of mercy and acquittal.

Probus, AD 276-282.

AR antoninianus, 19mm, 4.1g

Obv.: IMP C M AVR PROBVS P F AVG, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind.

Rev.: CLEMENTIA TEMP; Emperor standing right holding scepter, receiving Victory from Jupiter standing left leaning on scepter; uncertain letter in exergue.