Civilization: Roman Empire
Ruler: Licinius I
Mint: Thessalonica
Year: 313 - 316 AD
Composition: Bronze
Denomination:
Diameter: mm
Weight: g
Reference:

Obverse

Reverse

Mint: Thessalonica
Period: 313-316 AD
Denomination: Follis (AE2)
Metal: Bronze
Obverse: IMP LIC LICINIVS P F AVG, laureate head of Licinius I to the right
Reverse: IOVI CONSER-VATORI AVGG, Naked Jupiter standing left, chlamys across left shoulder, holding Victory on globe and sceptre, eagle with wreath in left field. Mintmark dot TS dot A dot (Thessalonica)
Weight: 3.19 g
Diameter: 22.9 mm
Reference: RIC VII Antioch 12

Licinius I reigned from 308 to 324 CE, emerging as a key figure during the Roman Empire’s tumultuous Tetrarchic period. Appointed as Augustus in the West by Galerius, he strengthened ties with Constantine the Great by marrying Constantine’s sister, Constantia, in 313 CE. That same year, Licinius co-issued the Edict of Milan with Constantine, a landmark decree granting religious tolerance across the empire and ending the persecution of Christians. Despite this initial alliance, rivalry grew between the two, leading to civil wars. Licinius ruled the East from Nicomedia with a conservative approach to governance, but in 324 CE, he was defeated by Constantine at the battles of Adrianople and Chrysopolis. He was executed shortly after, ending his reign and consolidating Constantine’s control over a unified Roman Empire.