Antoninianus of Probus, Antioch 277 - 282

Curator: This is an Antoninianus of Probus, minted in Antioch. It’s a small artifact, weighing just over 4 grams. Editor: Time-worn, isn’t it? But with that oxidation, it feels weighty, hinting at stories carried through centuries. Curator: Indeed. These coins served as potent symbols of imperial power, circulated widely throughout the Roman Empire. The portrait on one side is Probus himself. Editor: And what do we see on the other side? Despite the wear, I can make out a figure – is it a deity? Its gestures carry a certain solemnity. Curator: It likely represents a Roman deity, conveying ideas of prosperity and military victory to the populace. Editor: It's a humble object, yet it offers us a glimpse into the economics and cultural values of a vast empire. Curator: Exactly. The symbolism embedded in its imagery provides insight into the mindset of its historical context.