Follis of Licinius I, Nicomedia 321 - 324

Curator: Here we have a Follis of Licinius I, minted in Nicomedia. Editor: It feels weighty, doesn't it? Like a tiny, tangible piece of ancient power. I imagine the hand that last held it. Curator: Observe the portrait of Licinius I. The crisp lines, despite the wear, suggest a deliberate attempt to project authority. Editor: Absolutely, the patina whispers tales of empires, of hands exchanging it, each with their own dreams and schemes. It’s almost like holding a story. Curator: Indeed. Consider the iconography. The figure on the reverse is likely a depiction of a deity, reinforcing Licinius’s legitimacy. Editor: It’s a profound echo of a world so different, yet somehow mirrored in our own. Curator: It is a powerful testament to the intersection of art and political propaganda. Editor: Well, it certainly got me thinking. It’s fascinating how much narrative can be contained in a small coin.