Follis of Licinius I, Rome 314

Curator: Here we have a Follis of Licinius I, likely from Rome. This bronze coin features the emperor's profile, encircled by a laurel wreath, on one side. Editor: It strikes me as a somber object, despite the imperial imagery. Its weathered surface whispers stories of power, trade, and the slow decay of empires. Curator: Indeed. Licinius, who ruled in the early 4th century, employed coinage as propaganda. The wreath signifies victory and authority—icons deeply rooted in Roman visual culture. Editor: Right, but this coin also reflects Licinius's struggle for legitimacy. He ultimately lost to Constantine, and his image, once a symbol of power, became a memento of defeat. Curator: Absolutely. Its cultural memory now encompasses both triumph and failure. A fascinating study of symbols and power. Editor: A poignant reminder that power is always contingent, always inscribed within broader historical and political forces.