Antoninianus of Probus, Serdica 277 - 282

Editor: Here we have the Antoninianus of Probus, a coin made in Serdica. It's small, dark, and pretty worn, but still gives a sense of power. What statements do you think this coin makes about Probus's reign? Curator: A coin like this offers insight into Roman imperial strategies of image control. Probus sought to project an image of stability through his portraiture. How would the average person encounter this image, and what messages would they take from it? Editor: So, this was less about art for art's sake and more about strategic communication? Curator: Precisely! Coinage served as a primary form of imperial propaganda, widely disseminated. Think about the choices in imagery. Do they signal continuity, innovation, or something else entirely? Editor: Interesting! I hadn't thought about coins as such a deliberate form of messaging. Curator: Understanding the socio-political context surrounding artworks like these truly unlocks their significance.