Coin of Licinius 312 - 313

Curator: The Harvard Art Museums hold this fascinating artifact: a coin of Licinius I, a Roman Emperor who reigned in the early 4th century. Editor: It's mesmerizing. It's small, yet feels monumental, worn smooth with the touch of countless hands across centuries. The green patina is striking. Curator: Indeed. These coins, beyond currency, served as propaganda. Licinius used them to project power and legitimacy, particularly during his conflicts with Constantine. Editor: And the imagery? We see his profile, but on the reverse, is that Jupiter? He carries such weight as a symbol of Roman authority. Curator: Precisely. Licinius associated himself with traditional Roman deities to bolster his image, differentiating himself from Constantine's growing Christian sympathies. It's a calculated move. Editor: So, even in these minute forms, we grasp at the grand narratives of empire, faith, and power. The symbolism is both personal and universal. Curator: Absolutely. It's a potent reminder that even the smallest objects can speak volumes about the history and politics of their time. Editor: Looking at it now, I see not just a coin, but a condensed epic, frozen in time and metal.