Follis of Licinius I, Thessalonica 312 - 313

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Licinius I, likely crafted in Thessalonica. It's a small, unassuming coin, but what strikes me is how it connects us to a specific person and place in history. What stories can this object tell us? Curator: This coin served as propaganda, circulated to bolster Licinius' image and solidify his power. The imagery, though worn, conveys authority and divine favor – elements crucial for maintaining control in the Roman Empire. It embodies the intersection of art, politics, and economics. Editor: So, beyond its monetary value, it's a statement about Licinius' reign? Curator: Precisely. Coins like these were tools to communicate specific messages to a broad populace, subtly shaping public perception and reinforcing the emperor's legitimacy. What do you think about the long-lasting influence of using these type of objects? Editor: I hadn’t considered the deliberate messaging. It's amazing how such a small object reflects the complexities of power and visual culture. Curator: Indeed. It provides tangible insight into how rulers projected their image and maintained control in the ancient world.