Antoninianus of Probus 277 - 282

Editor: This is an Antoninianus of Probus from the Harvard Art Museums. Looking at the coin's surface, worn with age, you can see the face of Probus. What does its creation reveal about the Roman Empire's economy and artistry? Curator: Its material—likely bronze or copper with a thin silver wash—speaks volumes. The debasement of coinage during Probus's reign reflects the economic instability and inflation plaguing the late Roman Empire. The craftsmanship, though, still aimed to project imperial power. Consider the labor involved in mining, smelting, and striking these coins. Editor: So, it’s a symbol of power made during a time of instability. Is the artistry compromised by the economic issues? Curator: Precisely. The coin's production, a complex interplay of skilled labor and material constraints, underscores how economic pressures shaped even the visual language of imperial authority. What new insights can we gain by observing art through the lens of labor, materiality, and the political economy? Editor: It's amazing how one small coin can tell a bigger story. Thank you! Curator: Indeed, seeing art as a product of material processes can unlock fresh perspectives on history.