Ancient Roman Bronze Coin of Emperor Licinius I (Constantinian Era), c. AD 300s

from $37.80

This NGC-certified AE 2/3 bronze was struck during the reign of Licinius I, co-emperor of the Roman Empire alongside Constantine the Great during one of the most pivotal eras in Roman history.

Licinius ruled the eastern provinces at a time when the Roman world was undergoing profound political and religious transformation. As Constantine’s ally—and later adversary—Licinius stood at the center of events that shaped the future of the empire. Together, the two emperors co-authorized the Edict of Milan in AD 313, granting legal tolerance to Christianity while traditional Roman religious imagery continued to dominate imperial coinage.

Coin Description:

  • Obverse: Portrait of Emperor Licinius I facing right, typically wearing a laurel wreath or radiate crown, with Latin legends identifying his imperial titles

  • Reverse: Common late Roman motifs including Roman deities, military symbolism, or personifications of imperial virtues such as Victory or Providence, accompanied by Latin inscriptions

Technical Details:

  • Metal: Bronze (AE)

  • Denomination: AE 2/3 (follis or reduced follis standard of the period)

  • Date: AD 308–324

  • Certification: Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)

  • Condition: As certified by NGC

These AE 2/3 bronzes represent the standard imperial currency of the late Roman Empire, struck in massive quantities to communicate authority, stability, and divine favor during a time of internal conflict and ideological change.

Historical Significance:
Licinius emerged as a major political figure following the collapse of the Tetrarchic system. Though initially allied with Constantine through marriage and shared rule, their relationship deteriorated into open conflict. After years of civil war, Constantine defeated Licinius at the Battle of Chrysopolis in AD 324. Though briefly spared, Licinius was later executed, leaving Constantine as sole ruler of the Roman world.

This coin belongs to the final chapter of pagan imperial imagery, issued just before Constantine’s consolidation of power and the Christianization of the Roman state.

Grade:

This NGC-certified AE 2/3 bronze was struck during the reign of Licinius I, co-emperor of the Roman Empire alongside Constantine the Great during one of the most pivotal eras in Roman history.

Licinius ruled the eastern provinces at a time when the Roman world was undergoing profound political and religious transformation. As Constantine’s ally—and later adversary—Licinius stood at the center of events that shaped the future of the empire. Together, the two emperors co-authorized the Edict of Milan in AD 313, granting legal tolerance to Christianity while traditional Roman religious imagery continued to dominate imperial coinage.

Coin Description:

  • Obverse: Portrait of Emperor Licinius I facing right, typically wearing a laurel wreath or radiate crown, with Latin legends identifying his imperial titles

  • Reverse: Common late Roman motifs including Roman deities, military symbolism, or personifications of imperial virtues such as Victory or Providence, accompanied by Latin inscriptions

Technical Details:

  • Metal: Bronze (AE)

  • Denomination: AE 2/3 (follis or reduced follis standard of the period)

  • Date: AD 308–324

  • Certification: Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)

  • Condition: As certified by NGC

These AE 2/3 bronzes represent the standard imperial currency of the late Roman Empire, struck in massive quantities to communicate authority, stability, and divine favor during a time of internal conflict and ideological change.

Historical Significance:
Licinius emerged as a major political figure following the collapse of the Tetrarchic system. Though initially allied with Constantine through marriage and shared rule, their relationship deteriorated into open conflict. After years of civil war, Constantine defeated Licinius at the Battle of Chrysopolis in AD 324. Though briefly spared, Licinius was later executed, leaving Constantine as sole ruler of the Roman world.

This coin belongs to the final chapter of pagan imperial imagery, issued just before Constantine’s consolidation of power and the Christianization of the Roman state.