Civilization: Roman Empire
Ruler: Licinius I
Mint: Alexandria
Year: 308 - 324 AD
Composition: Bronze
Denomination: Follis
Diameter: 18.4mm
Weight: 3.3g
Reference: Alexandria RIC VII 28

Obverse
IMP C VAL LICIN LICINIVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right

Reverse
IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing left, chlamys across left shoulder, holding globe and leaning on sceptre, eagle at left with wreath in its beak, captive right, in right field X-III. Mintmark SMAL (Alexandria)

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.