Antoninianus of Probus 277 - 282

Curator: There’s a certain gravity in holding this Antoninianus of Probus, its weight a physical link to the Roman Empire. Editor: It's unassuming at first glance, almost ghostly, but you immediately sense the power it once represented. Curator: Indeed. Struck during Probus's reign, this coin, though small, reveals much about the Roman economy and the emperor's image management. Editor: Absolutely. Coins like this were tools to communicate imperial power, especially during times of unrest and shifting power dynamics. It's fascinating to consider its circulation and who might have handled it. Curator: The material—likely debased silver—reflects the economic realities of the late Roman period, the pressures on their production, and the social stratification it represents. Editor: It's a potent reminder that even seemingly mundane objects can speak volumes about power, identity, and the flow of capital. I am amazed at what it reveals. Curator: A lasting testament to the ingenuity and strategic thinking of the Probus administration. Editor: I agree, it's a small window into a vast and complex history.