Antoninianus of Probus, Ticinum 277 - 282

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus of Probus, from Ticinum. It's a small coin, made of what looks like bronze, and seems quite worn with age. How do you interpret this work in light of its historical context? Curator: Coins like these were not just currency; they were powerful tools of Roman imperial propaganda. Consider how the imagery and inscriptions shaped public perception of the emperor Probus and his reign. What visual elements do you notice? Editor: I see what seems to be a portrait on one side, though quite degraded, and perhaps some lettering. It must have been recognizable in its time. Curator: Precisely. The coin's imagery was carefully chosen to project power, legitimacy, and specific virtues of the emperor. Think about the implications of this mass-produced image circulating throughout the empire. Editor: So it's less about artistic expression and more about political messaging on a massive scale. Fascinating! Curator: Exactly. Studying these objects helps us understand how ancient rulers communicated with, and controlled, their populations through visual culture.