Follis of Licinius I, Cyzicus 321 - 324

Editor: Here we have the Follis of Licinius I from Cyzicus. It's fascinating how a small coin, weighing just over two grams, could embody so much power. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: The coin presents a visual shorthand for imperial authority. The emperor's portrait, rendered in profile, invokes classical ideals of leadership and virtue. What emotions does the presence of these figures evoke in you? Editor: A sense of permanence, even authority. It’s hard to put it into words. Curator: Indeed. Though small, the coin was circulated widely, carrying these carefully chosen messages. Editor: So it's a piece of propaganda. Curator: In a way, yes. I see the coin as a memory bank, reminding us of how leaders have sought to shape their image across millennia. Editor: This really changes my perspective on the coin. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It's remarkable how much a small object can reveal about a culture’s values.