Probus Box: Father Of Modern Europe's Wine Industry (about 1750 years ago)
Roman Billon Antoninianus (about 1750 years ago)
This high-grade antoninianus coin was minted during the reign of Emperor Probus, a Roman ruler who, despite his short reign, made lasting contributions to European viticulture by reversing earlier prohibitions and encouraging vineyard planting throughout the northern provinces of the empire.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Probus wearing a radiate crown (crown with sun-ray spikes), typically facing right, with imperial titles surrounding the bust
Back side: Likely features one of several typical Probus reverse designs - possibly Providentia (foresight), Sol (sun god), or Victoria (victory goddess) with relevant inscriptions
Technical Details:
Billon composition (silver-washed bronze, containing a small percentage of silver)
Denomination: Antoninianus (double denarius, though heavily debased by this period)
Date: 276-282 AD
Historical Significance: This coin was minted during the reign of Emperor Probus, a military leader who rose through the ranks to become emperor during the Crisis of the Third Century. Probus is particularly remembered for reversing Emperor Domitian's vine-destruction edict from 92 AD, which had severely limited vineyard cultivation outside Italy. By ordering his soldiers to plant vineyards throughout Gaul (modern France), Germania (Germany), and Britannia (Britain), Probus established what would become Europe's great wine regions. This agricultural initiative not only boosted provincial economies but also laid the foundation for the renowned wine traditions that continue to this day across northern Europe.
Roman Billon Antoninianus (about 1750 years ago)
This high-grade antoninianus coin was minted during the reign of Emperor Probus, a Roman ruler who, despite his short reign, made lasting contributions to European viticulture by reversing earlier prohibitions and encouraging vineyard planting throughout the northern provinces of the empire.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Probus wearing a radiate crown (crown with sun-ray spikes), typically facing right, with imperial titles surrounding the bust
Back side: Likely features one of several typical Probus reverse designs - possibly Providentia (foresight), Sol (sun god), or Victoria (victory goddess) with relevant inscriptions
Technical Details:
Billon composition (silver-washed bronze, containing a small percentage of silver)
Denomination: Antoninianus (double denarius, though heavily debased by this period)
Date: 276-282 AD
Historical Significance: This coin was minted during the reign of Emperor Probus, a military leader who rose through the ranks to become emperor during the Crisis of the Third Century. Probus is particularly remembered for reversing Emperor Domitian's vine-destruction edict from 92 AD, which had severely limited vineyard cultivation outside Italy. By ordering his soldiers to plant vineyards throughout Gaul (modern France), Germania (Germany), and Britannia (Britain), Probus established what would become Europe's great wine regions. This agricultural initiative not only boosted provincial economies but also laid the foundation for the renowned wine traditions that continue to this day across northern Europe.
Roman Billon Antoninianus (about 1750 years ago)
This high-grade antoninianus coin was minted during the reign of Emperor Probus, a Roman ruler who, despite his short reign, made lasting contributions to European viticulture by reversing earlier prohibitions and encouraging vineyard planting throughout the northern provinces of the empire.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Probus wearing a radiate crown (crown with sun-ray spikes), typically facing right, with imperial titles surrounding the bust
Back side: Likely features one of several typical Probus reverse designs - possibly Providentia (foresight), Sol (sun god), or Victoria (victory goddess) with relevant inscriptions
Technical Details:
Billon composition (silver-washed bronze, containing a small percentage of silver)
Denomination: Antoninianus (double denarius, though heavily debased by this period)
Date: 276-282 AD
Historical Significance: This coin was minted during the reign of Emperor Probus, a military leader who rose through the ranks to become emperor during the Crisis of the Third Century. Probus is particularly remembered for reversing Emperor Domitian's vine-destruction edict from 92 AD, which had severely limited vineyard cultivation outside Italy. By ordering his soldiers to plant vineyards throughout Gaul (modern France), Germania (Germany), and Britannia (Britain), Probus established what would become Europe's great wine regions. This agricultural initiative not only boosted provincial economies but also laid the foundation for the renowned wine traditions that continue to this day across northern Europe.
