Licinius, follis, bronze, reign 308-324, minted 308-324, 6

Licinius, follis, bronze, reign 308-324, minted 308-324, 6.1 g, 24 mm. Obverse: laureate bust of Licinius right; legend IMP C VAL LICIN LICINIVS P F AVG. Reverse: Jupiter standing left, nude with chlamys over shoulders, holding Victory on globe in right hand and leaning on sceptre with left; eagle with wreath in left field; legend IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG and mintmark ALE in exergue. Strike: struck on a broad, well-centered flan with complete legends. Toning: dark brown patina with lighter high-point highlights. References: RIC VII Alexandria 10; classified as a regular issue for the Alexandria mint, rarity noted as common in RIC. The Alexandrian folles of Licinius form part of a broader monetary program that promoted Jupiter as the emperor’s divine protector during the civil conflicts of the Tetrarchic period. The type reinforced Licinius’s adherence to the traditional Roman pantheon in contrast to the rising Christian favor shown by Constantine. Produced in Egypt’s principal mint at Alexandria, the issue circulated throughout the eastern provinces, facilitating payment of troops and civil administration while spreading the emperor’s titulature and ideological message. The legend IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG (“To Jupiter the Protector of the Augusti”) linked Licinius with the senior divine guardian of the empire, seeking to legitimize his rule amid ongoing power struggles from 308 until his defeat in 324.