Follis of Licinius, Nicomedia c. 312

Curator: This is a Follis of Licinius, minted in Nicomedia, now part of modern-day Turkey. It’s small, isn’t it? Editor: It has a sombre feel. That dark patina makes it look older than time. What does it mean? Curator: The coin would have been a symbol of imperial power, designed to project an image of strength. Licinius, as the emperor, is declaring his authority with every strike. Editor: Power, like money, always has a history of violence attached to it. The question is, who was marginalized for this image to be created? Curator: The imagery, even on such a small scale, connects us to the anxieties and ambitions of the Roman Empire. Think about the echoes of this kind of projection in contemporary political imagery. Editor: It's a potent reminder that symbols of authority, like this coin, are never neutral. Curator: Indeed. This coin allows us to contemplate the long shadow of power, doesn’t it? Editor: Absolutely, there’s so much to consider.