Follis of Licinius I, Nicomedia 317 - 320

Curator: Here we have a Follis of Licinius I, minted in Nicomedia. Editor: The overwhelming feeling is one of aged authority—the patinas and faded inscriptions speak of empires past. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the historical context: Licinius I was a Roman emperor, his rule marked by conflicts with Constantine the Great and shifts in religious tolerance. This coin would have been a daily object imbued with political and ideological weight. Editor: The coin’s circular form, the low relief portrait, and the repeated inscription create a sense of order and control—a micro-manifestation of imperial power. Curator: Yes, this coin, small as it is, becomes a window into the power dynamics and belief systems of the era, reflecting Licinius's strategies to consolidate his authority amidst religious and political strife. Editor: A truly fascinating object, even in its worn state. Curator: Indeed, it carries echoes of grand narratives.