Bronze Coin of Emperor Licinius - C.0498 Origin: Minted in Antioch Circa: 308 AD to 324 AD Collection: Numismatics Style: Roman Medium: Bronze This well-preserved coin in VF- condition was struck for the emperor Licinius. Coinage operates as a propagandist device in all cultures, and particularly during the Roman Empire when the borders were uncertain and internal strife threatened to destabilise the economy. The iconography shows the emperor associating himself with Jupiter, the king of the gods. He was also the grandfather of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, and was thus a highly patriotic symbol to the Romans. The associations between emblems on coins and the intended effect are usually fairly obvious, and in this case it is perhaps an indication of the emperor’s unassailable power. The victory he is holding celebrates martial success. The imperial eagle at his feet reinforces the powerful message.

Antique Coins
Ancient coins