Civilization: Roman Empire
Ruler: Licinius I
Mint: Alexandria
Year: 315 AD
Composition: Bronze
Denomination: Follis
Diameter: 18.6mm
Weight: 2.82g
Reference: Alexandria RIC VII 8

Obverse
IMP C VAL LICIN LICINIVS PF AVG, laureate head right

Reverse
IOVI CONSER-VATORI AVGG, Jupiter standing left, chlamys across left shoulder, holding Victory on globe and leaning on sceptre, eagle with wreath left. Right field: Z over N. Mintmark: ALE

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.