Silvered Antoninianus, A.D. 277, Siscia, 23.1mm, 3.86g, 0°, RIC V 68.
Obv: IMP PROBVS INV AVG. Radiate draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: FELICITAS AVG. Felicitas standing left with caduceus and cornucopia; Δ right, XXI in ex.
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Marcus Aurelius Probus was Roman Emperor from 276 to 282. Born in 232 in Sirmium, Probus entered the army around 250 upon reaching adulthood. He was appointed as a military tribune by the emperor Valerian, and appointed governor of the East by Tacitus, whose death in 276 prompted Probus' soldiers to proclaim him emperor.

In 278, Probus campaigned successfully in Gaul against the Alamanni and Longiones; both tribes had advanced through the Neckar valley and across the Rhine into Roman territory. Meanwhile, his generals defeated the Franks and these operations were directed to clearing Gaul of Germanic invaders, allowing Probus to adopt the titles of Gothicus Maximus and Germanicus Maximus. One of his principles was never to allow the soldiers to be idle, and to employ them in time of peace on useful works, such as the planting of vineyards in Gaul, Pannonia and other districts, in order to restart the economy in these devastated lands. Of a greater and more lasting significance, Probus began the strategy of settling the Germanic tribes in the devastated provinces of the empire.

In 280–281, Probus had put down three usurpers, Julius Saturninus, Proculus and Bonosus. The extent of these revolts is not clear, but there are clues that they were not just local problems. Probus was eager to start his eastern campaign, delayed by the revolts in the west. He left Rome in 282, travelling first towards Sirmium, his birth city, when he got news that Marcus Aurelius Carus, commander of the Praetorian Guard, had been proclaimed emperor. Probus sent some troops against the new usurper, but when those troops changed sides and supported Carus, Probus's remaining soldiers then assassinated him at Sirmium.