Civilization: Roman Empire
Ruler: Licinius I
Mint: Antioch
Year: 309 - 310 AD
Composition: Bronze
Denomination: Follis
Diameter: 22.6mm
Weight: 6.97g
Reference: RIC VI 59b

Obverse
IMP C LIC LICINIUS PF AVG; laureate head of Licinius I to the right

Reverse
GENIO IMPERATORIS, Genius standing left holding patera over altar and cornucopiae, in fields: Ⲉ; in exergue: mintmark ANT (Antioch).

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.