Αρχαίο ρωμαϊκό, Αυτοκρατορικό ασημένιο Æ Ιστορικό νόμισμα Licinius I «προς τον Δία τον προστάτη» (χωρίς τιμή ασφαλείας)

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Coins were widely distributed In the Roman Empire. This made them an ideal propaganda tool for Roman Emperors to present themselves and the message they wanted to communicate. They are an important symbol of power and are full of symbolism.

Coin: Æ Follis Licinius I, Heraclea. Struck 313 AD.

Obverse: IMP C VAL LICIN LICINIVS PF AVG, Laureate head right
Reverse: IOVI CONS-ERVATORI AVGG, Jupiter standing left, chlamys hanging from left shoulder, holding Victory on globe and sceptre, eagle at foot left. Γ in right field.
Mintmark SMHT.

Diameter: ± 23,2 mm
Condition: very fine, most of the original silvering present. Signs of wear consistent with age and use. See images.

Licinius I (308-324 AD), co-emperor with Constantine I the Great until he was murdered (along with his little son) by the order of Constantine. He also co-authored the Edict of Milan, AD 313, that granted official toleration to Christians in the Roman Empire.

IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG (Iovi Conservatori Duorum Augustorum): to Jove, the protector of the two Emperors.

JUPITER or JOVE (Zeus in Greek Mythology): principal deity of the Greeks and Romans. God of the heavens, sky and thunder and king of the gods. His identifying implement is the thunderbolt and his primary sacred animal is the eagle, which became one of the most common symbols of the Roman army (Aquila).

The Romans believed that Jupiter granted them supremacy and he personified the divine authority of Rome's highest offices. The consuls swore their oaths of office in Jupiter's name and honoured him by sacrificing a white ox with gilded horns. Triumphal generals surrendered the tokens of their victory at the feet of Jupiter's statue in the Capitol.