Roman Empire – Licinius I (AD 308–324) Æ Follis
Struck at the Antioch Mint, AD 317–320
Reference: RIC VII Antioch 27
Weight: 3.9 g
Diameter: 18 mm
Condition: Very Fine (VF)
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⚔️ Obverse
Inscription: IMP LICINIVS AVG
Description: Laureate bust of Licinius I, facing left, draped in imperial mantle, holding a mappa (ceremonial cloth used in games), a globe, and a scepter — all potent symbols of imperial authority and power.
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⚡ Reverse
Inscription: IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG
Description: Depicts Jupiter, the chief Roman god, standing left. He holds Victory on a globe in his right hand and a scepter in his left. At his feet, a captive crouches to the left, symbolizing the emperor’s domination over enemies.
Mintmark: Є // SMANT — indicating the Antioch mint, officina Є (fifth workshop).
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🧭 Historical Background
Licinius I was co-emperor with Constantine the Great and played a pivotal role in the Tetrarchic system following the reforms of Diocletian. He co-authored the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which granted religious tolerance to Christians — a milestone in Roman history. However, tensions eventually escalated between Licinius and Constantine, culminating in Licinius’s defeat and execution in 324 AD.
The “IOVI CONSERVATORI” reverse type was commonly used by emperors to assert the protection of Jupiter, Rome’s supreme deity, and to emphasize divine favor in their rule and military strength.
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🪙 Collector’s Note
This is a well-preserved example of a key transitional coin from the early 4th century, bridging pagan traditions and the eventual Christian transformation of the Roman world. With a strong strike, attractive patina, and bold imagery, this coin is an excellent addition for those collecting Late Roman Imperial bronzes or Tetrarchy-era issues.