Roman Empire, Licinius I, r. 308-324 CE, Denomination: Nummus or AE Follis, Metal: Bronze, Weight: 4.38 grams, Diameter: 23 mm, Mint: Siscia (modern Sisak, Croatia), Reference: RCV IV #15211, RIC VII #8, extremely fine, scarce.

Obverse: Laureate head of Emperor Licinius I right. Legend: IMP LIC LICINIVS P F AVG

Translation: Emperor Licinius Pius Felix Augustus.

Reverse: Jupiter standing left holding victory and sceptre; eagle at feet with wreath in beak; officina mark “A” to right. Legend: IOVI CONSERVATORI A SIS.

Licinius I was one of the last major emperors of the Tetrarchic era and ruled the eastern part of the Roman Empire from 308 to 324 CE. Rising through military merit, he was appointed Augustus by Galerius and initially governed the Balkans and eastern provinces. Licinius is best remembered for his complex and ultimately fatal rivalry with Constantine the Great. Although both emperors jointly issued the Edict of Milan in 313 CE, granting religious toleration to Christians, their alliance soon collapsed into civil war. A series of conflicts between 316 and 324 CE culminated in Licinius’ defeat at Chrysopolis, after which Constantine emerged as sole ruler of the Roman Empire. Licinius’ reign thus marks the final struggle before imperial reunification under Constantine.

The bronze nummus (AE follis) from the Siscia mint reflects Licinius’ authority during this turbulent period. Struck at Siscia (modern Sisak), this issue is recorded in Roman Imperial Coinage (RIC VII, Siscia no. 8) and Sear Roman Coins and Their Values (RCV IV, no. 15211), and is considered scarce in extremely fine condition.

Sold out