2020-04-30 Thu

Valerius Licinianus Licinius, more commonly known as Licinius, was a Roman Emperor reigning from 308 to 324. Born to a Dacian peasant family in Moesia Superior, Licinius accompanied his close childhood friend, the future emperor Galerius, on the Persian expedition in 298.

Licinius advanced in the army and was suddenly elevated to the rank of Augustus (November 308) by Galerius. For most of his reign, he was the colleague and rival of Constantine I. On April 30, 313, Battle of Tzirallum erupted between Licinius and Maximinus II, in which Licinius defeats Maximinus II and unifies the Eastern Roman Empire.

The above shown gold Aureus was issued under his reign from Nicomedia mint. The obverse of a coin depicted the laureate head of Licinius right. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin bears the Jupiter standing left on the platform, holding the statue of Victory, eagle left at feet holding a laurel wreath in beak.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions