Antoninianus of Probus 277 - 282

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus of Probus, a Roman coin. It’s incredible to think about the physical journey this small object has taken. What can we learn from its materials and production? Curator: Considering the copper alloy and the process of striking these coins, what does mass production mean for artistic value here? Was the artistry in the die, the striking, or its eventual distribution and use? Editor: That’s fascinating. The materials themselves tell a story about trade, labor, and Roman power. Curator: Exactly. And think about the social context; what did it mean to hold power in your hand, quite literally? How did the material affect its dissemination and impact? Editor: It’s not just an object, but a record of economic and social systems. Thanks, this helps me see beyond the surface! Curator: Absolutely! Analyzing material production unveils the layers of social and economic relations that shaped this coin.