Emperor Probus, Reign 276-282 AD, Rome Mint, Eclipse of 279 AD

This coin was minted by Emperor Probus in Rome in 279 AD. Note the solar eclipse symbol at the base of the reverse. It likely commemorates the victories over the Germanic tribes since the year 276 AD when Probus came to power. He was governor of Syria and Egypt prior to becoming emperor and saw several eclipses in the middle east. This coin along with the next demonstrates that the Romans saw the eclpise as validation of their German conquests. The eclipse of 279 AD was only seen in the Germanic regions and this coin would have been used as propaganda both in Rome and above the Danube river. Photo by Sebastian Sondermann