Antoninianus of Probus, Antioch 277 - 282

Editor: This is an Antoninianus coin of Probus, minted in Antioch. Seeing it here, worn with age, makes me wonder about the messages it carried in its time. What significance did these coins hold for the people who used them? Curator: The Antoninianus wasn't just currency; it was a form of state propaganda. Probus, like other emperors, used his coinage to project power and legitimacy. The image on the coin, likely a portrait of Probus himself, and the imagery on the reverse, would have been carefully chosen. Editor: So, it's less about the intrinsic value and more about the image it projects? How did the public perceive these images? Curator: Exactly. Think about the socio-political context: high illiteracy rates meant that visual symbols were powerful tools. These coins circulated widely, acting as miniature billboards that reinforced imperial authority and conveyed specific political messages throughout the empire. It’s fascinating to consider the intended audience and the message being sent. Editor: I never thought about coins as a form of communication before. It really puts a new perspective on their role in society. Curator: Precisely! It’s a reminder that even the most mundane objects can offer insight into the power dynamics of the past.