Follis of Licinius I, Cyzicus 311 - 312

Curator: This is a Follis of Licinius I, struck in Cyzicus. The Harvard Art Museums house this intriguing artifact. Editor: Wow, it looks like it's been through a lot! All that beautiful patina…makes me think of stories whispered through centuries. Curator: Exactly. Licinius I, a Roman emperor, issued these coins as powerful tools of imperial propaganda. They circulated widely, embedding his image and authority within the daily lives of his subjects. Editor: It's wild to imagine someone holding this, trading with it, completely unaware of the empire's fate. Gives the coin an almost tragic feel, doesn’t it? Curator: That’s a brilliant point; the coin’s existence speaks to the rise and fall of power, mirroring the emperor’s own tumultuous reign and eventual execution. Editor: It's like holding a little piece of forgotten power. Curator: Yes, this coin is more than just currency; it’s a portal into understanding Roman history, power dynamics, and even personal stories. Editor: Makes you wonder what future societies will make of our pennies.