Antoninianus of Probus 277 - 282

Curator: Here we have an Antoninianus of Probus. The coin provides us with insight into the reign and imagery of Emperor Probus. Editor: It’s amazing how much detail is captured, despite the coin's modest size and the wear from age. The patina gives it a certain gravity. Curator: The imagery, like the emperor's portrait and the figure on the reverse, was carefully chosen to convey power and legitimacy to the public. It's a form of propaganda, really. Editor: I'm struck by the composition itself—the circular frame, the subtle variations in depth. It's incredibly balanced; the weathering seems to enhance the figure in the center. Curator: Exactly. Coins served as vital tools for imperial communication and economic control. Studying them offers a tangible link to that past. Editor: Yes. I can almost feel the weight of history in this small object. It speaks volumes about power, representation, and the enduring appeal of art.