Follis of Licinius I, Alexandria 321 - 324

Curator: This is a follis, a bronze coin, of Licinius I, struck in Alexandria. The weight is approximately 3.16 grams. Editor: It feels incredibly weighty, not in mass, but in history. The profile is stern, Roman...imposing. Curator: The imagery served as a powerful tool for projecting imperial authority. Minted during Licinius' reign, it reflects the socio-political climate and the emperor's efforts to solidify his power through visual propaganda. Editor: Absolutely. The presence of Jupiter on the reverse, holding Victory, speaks volumes about the cultural narratives around leadership, especially male leadership, at the time. What stories did it tell then, and what does it tell now? Curator: That's the question, isn’t it? Even something as small as this coin offers a tangible link to the past, prompting us to consider how these images shaped and continue to shape our understanding of power, identity, and gender. Editor: It's a potent reminder of how deeply intertwined art, power, and identity truly are.