Licinius I, BI Nummus, Siscia Mint, 320 AD

$95.00

- + - +
SKU: R1.19 Categories: ,

Description

Roman Imperial, Licinius I, 308-324 AD, BI Nummus (billion, 3.61g, 18.7mm), Siscia Mint, 320 AD
Obv: IMP LICINIVS AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust right
Rev: VIRTVS EXERCIT, vexillum inscribed VOT XX in two lines, bound captive to left and right; S-F across fields, AQS in exergue
Ref:  RIC VII 51 Rarity/Choice: Common, aEF (silvered)
Note: Licinius I was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 308 to 324, during the tumultuous period known as the Tetrarchy. Initially, Licinius served as co-emperor with Galerius, but after the death of Galerius in AD 311, Licinius became the eastern Augustus. He engaged in conflicts with his co-rulers and rivals, particularly Constantine the Great, culminating in the defeat of Licinius by Constantine at the Battle of Chrysopolis in AD 324. This coin of Licinius I offers insight into the political and military dynamics of the Late Roman Empire. Through its imagery and inscriptions, the coin reflects Licinius’s efforts to assert his authority and maintain stability during a period of significant upheaval. As a medium of imperial propaganda, this coin served to reinforce Licinius’s legitimacy as emperor and convey his message of strength and military prowess to his subjects.