Follis of Licinius I, Nicomedia 321 - 324

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Licinius I from Nicomedia. What strikes me is how this small coin speaks volumes about power, even now. How do you interpret this work in the context of its time? Curator: Coins were powerful propaganda tools. Consider where this coin was minted: Nicomedia, an Eastern capital. Licinius used imagery of divine favor to legitimize his rule in a politically unstable empire, carefully crafting his public image. Editor: So, it's less about the artistry and more about the message it sends? Curator: Exactly. It’s about controlling the narrative. The imagery and distribution served as a constant reminder of imperial authority and divine right, influencing public perception on a massive scale. Editor: That's fascinating – seeing how even something so small could have such a large political impact. Curator: Precisely! These coins offer invaluable insights into the socio-political dynamics of the Roman Empire.