Yugoslavia, 20 Dinar, 1938. Brilliant Unc

Probus became emperor in AD 276 after overthrowing the emperor Florianus. A native of the city of Sirmium in what is now Serbia, he rose to prominence and proved himself a capable administrator and commander and is recognised as an emperor who contributed to the revival of the Roman Empire at a time of severe turmoil and crisis. In AD 277/8 his armies defeated the Goths, Alamanni, Longiones, Franks, and Burgundians. He realised that the best way to keep his soldiers out of trouble was to keep them busy so, with the frontiers of the empire stabilised, he set his men to the task of rebuilding the shattered infrastructure of key provinces that had crumbled under previous emperors by building roads, bridges and fortifications, draining marshes, digging canals and, interestingly, planting extensive vineyards. New plantations sprang up across Europe and there is mention in some records of Probus authorising the planting of vineyards in Britain too so we may still be enjoying the fruits of his labours today! These Antoninianus, or ‘Ants’ as we call them, are as good as they come, virtually as struck and with original lustre. The reverses will be of our choice, and there are a variety of reverse types available most with standing figures but a limited number available in this grade.

These Brilliant Uncirculated Silver coins from Yugoslavia were struck for one year only 1938. That makes them very important type coins and especially in such fantastic condition. They were issued by the Kingdom of Yugoslavia under Petar II. It was the German occupation of the country that stopped them striking coins. Both the 20 and 50 Dinar have the bare head of the King on one side and the crowned double eagle on the other side. These coins are struck in .750 fine Silver and are in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. Two fantastic coins, both one year types and in brilliant condition at just £22.50 and £28.50 respectively or the pair for just £49.50.

This is one that we just found in one of our warehouses. It was issued 1992-5 for the soldiers in the Bosnian-Serb Army. During the Civil War those who felt for Serbia rather than Yugoslavia wore these badges with pride. You have the crowned double headed eagle with a red and white badge across its chest. There is a screw fastening with the name ‘Picado Company’ on the back. We thought we were out of them and would never see them again, but we did find 65 pieces. Get them while you can…