Probus, 276-282, Tetradrachm

Probus, Tetradrachm, Potin; reign AD 276–282; Alexandria, regnal year 5 (AD 280/281); 6.86 g; 20 mm. Obverse legend Α Κ Μ ΑΥΡ ΠΡΟΒΟϹ ϹΕΒ with laureate, cuirassed bust of Probus right. Reverse bearing the regnal date L Ε (Year 5) in the field. Struck at Alexandria on the customary potin flan with low-relief fabric typical of the late provincial series. RPC X (online) 75796 (unassigned).

The Alexandrian “L Ε” date marks Year 5 of Probus under the Egyptian calendar (29 August 280–28 August 281), illustrating the continued use of Greek legends and local regnal dating for Egypt’s provincial tetradrachm system late in the third century. These issues represent the final phase of Alexandrian tetradrachm coinage prior to its abolition in the 290s under Diocletian’s monetary reforms and attest to imperial authority maintained in Egypt during Probus’s consolidation of the eastern provinces.