Follis of Licinius II, Heraclea 321 - 324

Curator: We’re looking at a Follis of Licinius II Caesar. Editor: It appears to be a small bronze coin, worn with age, yet the engraved figure emanates a stern authority. Curator: Indeed, the obverse presents a portrait of Licinius II, with lettering that creates a border, while the reverse displays a figure, possibly a deity, flanked by symbolic objects. Editor: Considering the material itself, this coin served as a vehicle for imperial messaging and economic exchange. Its small scale belies its significance in daily life and governance. The worn surface tells a story of handling and circulation. Curator: Precisely. The deliberate composition and the figure's stylized form communicate power and legitimacy. It's a complex intersection of artistry and political statement. Editor: True, and the patina accrued over centuries speaks to the enduring nature of materials and their silent testimony. Curator: Analyzing its form and design language offers a unique lens into the historical period. Editor: Understanding its production and circulation gives insight into labor and value.