Follis of Licinius, Heraclea c. 307 - 323

Curator: Here we have a Follis of Licinius, Heraclea. It's from the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Wow, it feels so ancient. The patina just whispers stories. It's like holding a tiny, weathered world. Curator: Indeed. This coin, attributed to Licinius I, served both as currency and as a propaganda tool, emblazoned with imperial imagery. Editor: Look at the crisp profile on one side – all authority and stern pronouncements. And on the reverse, a figure with what looks like a standard. Curator: Precisely. These images and inscriptions are carefully constructed to convey power and legitimacy. Editor: I love how something so small can carry such weight. It's a tangible connection to a distant past, isn't it? Curator: Absolutely. This coin offers a glimpse into the political and economic landscape of its time. Editor: Makes you wonder who last held it, doesn't it? Another story to ponder.