Antoninianus of Probus 277 - 282

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus coin of Probus. The wear is quite pronounced, especially obscuring any crisp details in the composition. What do you see in this piece from a formalist approach? Curator: The circular form is critical, isn't it? This orients our reading of the piece. The bas-relief portrait, though worn, is rendered with attention to line, giving an illusion of depth within its restricted space. Consider also the relationship between the inscription and the central image. Editor: The inscription is quite eroded, but you can still see a bust. It’s like a puzzle. Curator: Exactly. The interplay of positive and negative space, the textures created by wear, and the overall composition invite close visual analysis. Even in its diminished state, the coin retains formal interest. Editor: It’s amazing to think how much can be seen in the formal qualities alone. Curator: Indeed. The coin's formal qualities shape our interpretation, beyond its historical context.