Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

  • Data
  • Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Roman coin of Probus (276-282). Obverse: bust of an emperor, facing right; he wears a laurel crown; to left, inscription is (in Greek) A K M AUR PROBOS SEB. Obverse: draped figure (Elpis, Greek spirit of Hope), standing to left, lifting hem of chiton with one hand, to right, holding flower; to left, inscription 'L / B'.

History Of Use

"A K M AVP ΠPOBOC CEB” extends into “Autokrator Kaisaros Markos Aurelios Probos Sebastos,” and translates to “Emperor Caesar Marcus Aurelius Probus Augustus”; Tetradrachm (denomination); regnal year 2 (276-77). When Rome conquered Egypt, it preserved the closed currency system already in place there, as well as the local designs of coinage; the use of Greek mythological figures paid respect to local traditions, while the depiction of the emperor tied the coin to Roman authority. These Greek-style coins, called “Alexandrian Coins”, circulated only within Egypt. Merchants and other travellers had to exchange their coinage at the border. At the time this coin was made, Alexandrian coins were severely degraded in value and quality. Tetradrachms like this one were originally a valuable denomination made up of silver, but by the time of this coin’s minting, they were the most common coin and were mostly bronze.

Narrative

References: Koln 3128; Dattari 5533; Milne 4531; Emmett 3987.

Item History

With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account

With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account

Similar Items