Just picked this one up at auction. Procopius had been lacking in my collection. Post your Procopius coins or anything you feel is relevant! Procopius, AD 365-366 Roman Æ centenionalis, 2.70 g, 20mm. Constantinople, AD 365-366. Obv: D N PROCO-PIVS P F AVG, diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left. Rev: REPARATI-O FEL TEMP, Procopius standing facing, head right, holding labarum in right hand, left resting on shield set on the ground; Chi-rho in upper right field and unidentified object in left at foot; CONSЄ• in exergue. Refs: RIC ix 17a.7; Cohen 8; RCV 19883. Notes: The small object at the feet of the emperor on the reverse has never been satisfactorily explained. Pearce (RIC ix, p. 215, 17 note) comments "The small indeterminate object is given by Cohen as 'seated captive.' Koblitz suggests a helmet. I have noted it as resembling the letter T, a mushroom, two small circles standing one above the other, a small circle standing on a pyramidal object, etc., but never 'seated captive' or 'helmet.'"
The most interesting thing to me about that coin is the design on the shield. Or half shield. Very detailed.
Roman Collector, seeing an isolated CHI RHO in the field instead of on the labarum is interesting too.
That's a nice one; I love the green patina. I'd be happy with an ugly, dog biscuit-looking Procopius.
I agree. My SMNA Nikomedia shows the isolated Chi Rho and decorated shield was not just from one mint. While mine is nowhere as nice as RC's it is green so perhaps could be graded as 'dog biscuit+'.
I wanted that coin, too, but at the end of the auction was an interesting lot I put a high price on (and lost). Procopius bronzes often are mediocre looking, this one is much better and attractively green.
That sure is a great example of a Procopius coin. I wish mine were that nice Procopius, AE3 Heraclea mint D N PROCOPIVS P F AVG, pearl diademed, draped and cuirassed bust left. REPARATI-O FEL TEMP, Emperor standing facing, head left, holding labarum in right hand and leaning on shield. Chi-Rho in upper right field, dot in left field. Exergue illisible 2.17 gr 18 mm Ref : Cohen # 9, LRBC # 1929 Q
That reverse is spectacular! Your comment about the weird object at his feet reinforces my intention to get an upgrade. (Surely it's a magic mushroom, for Procopius to think that he could last on the throne?)
Jeez! That's probably the most beautiful Proco I've ever seen! BIG CONGRATS Here's my Procopius that looks to have been purchased from a proctoligist...
