Follis of Licinius II, Nicomedia 321 - 324

Editor: Here we have the Follis of Licinius II. It's quite small, but the images are powerful. What can you tell me about how coins like this functioned in society? Curator: Coins like this were tools of political messaging. Minted and distributed widely, they broadcast the emperor's image and ideology throughout the empire. Consider how the imagery might have been received in different social strata. Editor: So, it was a form of propaganda? Curator: Exactly. The choice of imagery, the emperor's portrait, any accompanying symbols – all carefully selected to project power and legitimacy. What do you notice about the portrait itself? Editor: The detail is amazing considering the size, and that the profile is rather imposing. I never thought about coins as political statements before. Curator: It reshapes our understanding of ancient art, doesn't it? Everyday objects imbued with profound meaning.