PROBUS RIC 838 E1 BUST OFFICINA 3 PARMA SHIELD

OBVERSE: IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG
REVERSE: CLEMENTIA TEMP
BUST TYPE: E1 = Radiate, helmeted and cuirassed bust left, holding Parma shield and spear.
FIELD / EXERGUE MARKS: *//KA•Г•
MINT: Serdica
Issue: 2 (early 277 a.d.)
WEIGHT 3.79g / AXIS: 12h / WIDTH 22-32mm
RIC 838 var. (unlisted with this obverse legend and Parma shieldP
COLLECTION NO. 1549

Only the 3rd example of this exact type known to me (the other being in S. Luethi collection = ex. M. Griffiths coll. and in J. Gesa Kiss coll.)!

NOTE: the Emperor is holding a small, round shield (Parma shield). This type of shield is eagerly sought-after by collectors. It was struck only in the mints of Ticinum, Siscia, Serdica and Cyzicus. While this type of shield is rare on Siscia and Serdica coins it is extremely rare on Ticinum and Cyzicus coins.

As for Serdica, specimens with the Clementia Temp reverse and Parma shield (struck during issue 2) are much, much rarer than same specimens with Parma shield and SOLI INVICTO / VIRTVS PROBI AVG reverses struck during issue 4.