- Stock: In Stock
- Model: VIRTVS PROBI MARTI PACIF QXXI
PROBUS (276-282). Silvered Antoninianus. Ticinum.
Obv: VIRTVS PROBI AVG.
Cuirassed, Helmet, spear und shield to the left.
Rev: MARTI PACIF / I / QXXI.
Mars advancing left, holding branch, spear and shield.
RIC 509.
Condition: very fine.
Weight: 2,22 g.
Diameter: 21 mm.
During the reign of Emperor Probus (AD 276–282), the mint of Ticinum produced a remarkable series of antoniniani known today as the EQVITI series. These coins contain a hidden code: each officina (workshop) used a different letter in the field, and together these letters spell the word EQVITI. The term is generally interpreted as a reference to the equites, the Roman cavalry. Since Probus was a successful military commander who relied heavily on mobile cavalry forces in his campaigns, the series is often seen as a subtle tribute to these troops. For modern collectors, the EQVITI series is particularly fascinating because the different officina letters form a kind of numismatic puzzle, where a complete set of coins reveals the hidden word EQVITI.