Follis of Licinius I, Antioch 315 - 316

Curator: Before us is a Follis of Licinius I, minted in Antioch. It’s a small bronze coin, weighing just 2.6 grams. Editor: It feels aged, eroded, yet strangely potent. You can almost feel the hands that exchanged it. Curator: Absolutely, and consider its social function: currency representing power, trust, and the vast Roman economic system. Editor: The craftsmanship—the die-cutting process—speaks volumes about the value placed on imperial messaging. Each strike, a repetition of power. Curator: Indeed. This coin isn't just about its material composition, but about Licinius I's struggle for legitimacy amidst dynastic rivalries. Editor: It's a poignant reminder that even the smallest artifact can hold immense historical and social weight. Curator: Precisely, linking the individual to the political landscape of the time. Editor: Yes, materiality and context amplify each other, enriching our understanding.