One of the things that attracts so many of us to the study and collection of ancient coins is the wide variation found in the dies used to strike them. Small design features and differences in the quality of striking make each one unique and ensure an interesting enough variety that it becomes worthwhile to acquire and study several examples of the same emperor and reverse type. For example, this gallery contains several obverse types depicting Probus attired in ceremonial armor and consular robes facing left holding an eagle - tipped sceptre. This particular example is the only one to clearly show the folds of his robe gathered at the left shoulder. One can even see a hint of a fibula, or the ornate cloak pin that was used to hold the robe together at this point. This situation poses an interesting dilemma for the collector or scholar. Is it worthwhile to devote part of our collecting energy to building a mini collection of variations of one obverse or reverse type? In the case of this obverse of Probus, we are sure that an interesting collection could be assembled of thirty to fifty of these coins without undue repetition.
Reverse:
VIRTVS PROBI AVG, XXIQ in exergue. Probus on horseback right with shield and spear riding down captive.
The coin is listed in David Sear's Roman Coins and their Values as s3379.