Follis of Licinius I, Nicomedia 321 - 324

Curator: Here we have a Follis of Licinius I, minted in Nicomedia. The coin, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection, offers a glimpse into the visual language of power in the Roman Empire. Editor: It's incredible how much information is packed onto such a tiny, weathered surface. It feels almost like a forgotten dream, potent but obscured. Curator: Indeed. The coin's imagery serves as a form of imperial propaganda. Notice the emperor's portrait, embodying strength, and on the reverse, Jupiter, a symbol of divine authority. Editor: The way Jupiter is depicted, with what looks like a small figure kneeling before him, it almost feels like a power dynamic being visually enforced. Subliminal messaging, even then. Curator: Absolutely. The imagery taps into existing cultural beliefs, reinforcing Licinius's legitimacy. It's a calculated use of symbols to sway perceptions and assert dominance. Editor: It really makes you wonder about all the silent messages we absorb daily. This little coin, it's a stark reminder that images always carry an agenda. Curator: And through examining these symbols, we can decode the values and beliefs of a bygone era. Editor: Makes you think about what future civilizations will make of our coins and bills.