Coin of Licinius, Alexandria 315 - 316

Curator: This is a coin of Licinius, struck in Alexandria, which weighs just 2.65 grams. Editor: It’s incredible that something so small can carry so much weight – both literally and figuratively. Its aged green patina speaks volumes. Curator: Absolutely. Its materiality hints at the complex dynamics of the Tetrarchy. Licinius's reign reflects the power struggles and betrayals inherent in that political structure. Editor: And what about the figure on the reverse? Is that a deity? What would its symbolism have meant to the people using this coin? Curator: Most likely a depiction of Jupiter, carrying the scepter and thunderbolt, asserting Licinius' divine right to rule within a specific cultural and religious landscape. Editor: The coin’s very existence challenges modern notions of national identity. It shows how power and belief were communicated in a pre-digital age. Curator: Precisely. This coin offers a window into the multifaceted and often contradictory nature of imperial authority. Editor: It’s a reminder that even small, everyday objects are embedded with historical context and layers of meaning.