Marcus Aurelius Probus rose through the ranks of the Roman military, achieving considerable success while
defending Rome’s frontiers against Germanic tribes. He was appointed Governor of the East by Tacitus, whose
death in 276 prompted Probus'soldiersto proclaim him emperor. However, Probusis best known for establishing
the vineyards and theirfinewinesthatstillflourish today in dozens of appellationsthroughoutNorthern Europe.
The Wine Emperor - Probus annulled the edict of Emperor Domitian. It was that cruel order in 92 AD that resulted
in the destruction of Northern vines and officially prohibited for nearly two centuries the planting of grape vines in
the Roman Empire. Probus’ new orders now encouraged the planting of new vines in these northern Roman
colonies. Furthermore, he began planting in earnest.
Probus’ Agrarian Army- Probus believed that a good army was a busy army and an idle army was dangerous.
During the six years of his reign, his strategy was to employ troops in times of peace to perform useful works.
Among the civic works Probus initiated, he employed his soldiers to plant grape vines extensively throughout the
now famous Northern wine regions in that were demolished by war.
Probus’ Demise- Unfortunately for Probus, his military-farming missions did not always sit well with his hardened
troops, who much preferred the glory of battle over the hot, back breaking “peasant work” of planting vines. On one
particularly hot day in the Fall of 282, a mutiny broke out. A contingent of his soldiers chased Probus into a tower
and killed him.
Even though wine making put an end to Probus’ life, it made him famous. He was directly responsible for the
origins of several grape varieties now grown worldwide. Probus’ vines have made wine regions famous throughout
France, Czech Republic and Germany. Today, Probus’ is remembered by famous wine labels that bear his name.
The Coin:
Continuing the monetary reform of Aurelian, Probus issued many different, well crafted coin designs that featured a
wide variety of reverses and portrait types during his rule. The obverses of his coins display profile busts of Probus
wearing either a helmet or a crown. The most common of his imperial issues was the antoninianus--a coin of mostly
bronze with minor silver content.
Data:
Weight: 3.0-3.8 grams; Diameter: 21-24 mm.
Box measures: 3.87” X 3.87” X 1.25”
Order code: PROBUSBOX
All coins in each set are protected in an archival capsule and beautifully displayed in a mahogany-like box.
The box set is accompanied with a story card, certificate of authenticity, and a black embossed gift box.
Coin type and grade may vary somewhat from image