Antoninianus of Probus, Clementia Type. Natural Desert Patina.

Probus, AD 276-282.

FA AE3

Obv.: Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Probus right, seen from behind. "IMP CM AVR PROBVS PF AVG"
Rev.: Emperor standing right holding a scepter and receiving victory on a globe from Jupiter, standing on the right and holding a scepter.

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.