Here's a decent Follis of Licinius I with interesting mint marks...

There's such a glut of beautiful Licinius I bronzes at bargain-basement prices that I see myself collecting quite a few types over time. This coin appealed to me on a number of levels. The engraver was an artist: the portrait of Licinius is bold and stately, and Jupiter with Victory and the Eagle are handsomely-executed, although the strike on the reverse is a bit weak. The surfaces are also quite clean and the coin has a marvelous milk-chocolate brown color. Although not perfectly-centered, the entire legend is readable on both sides.

The use of various mint marks during Licinius' reign became increasingly more complicated, and this coin is an excellent example of that. Not only do we get ANT in exergue, but in the field to the right of Jupiter we have a wreath, EI, and III. What I find curious about these mint marks is that bronze coins were certainly NOT as important to the Romans as the silver and gold, Can the complex mint marks be attributed only to the Roman's penchant for meticulous record-keeping?

My conjecture is that the minters of some coins took a certain amount of pride in their work, and they wanted people to know precisely which workshop of which officina had produced a specific specimen. The makers of this coin definitely had a lot to be proud of.

Following Bing's lead, I post a quote from ERIC concerning Licinius I...

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Yeah, I like those Iovi Conservatori reverses. I only have one right now for Licinius. I also have one for Constantine I.

 

Evidently the Jupiter reverse is the most common type on the Licinius I bronzes, and I can confirm that from what window shopping I did. There are a LOT of coins to choose from when it comes to this design.

 

Nice selection. :thumb:

 

Nice obverse portrait style. This is the style I like, the more art deco look. I have to stay away from the 300-320 Roman section of sales, for fear some day I might INTENTIONALLY collect Romans in this style.

 

What's wrong with intentionally collecting Romans, lol?

 

Very nice coin! I love Licinius Romans

 

Nothing at all, I just get "sucked in". Here is an example:



How could I NOT buy these at $18 per? Answer? I couldn't. So, being an ancient collector you always have a chance to find romans you might like, or is a good deal. No matter what your specialty, you just cannot pass up something like that, can you?

 

You lucky sonofa....I wish I had your problems, friend. :smile

 

I wouldn't pass on it either if I had the money.

 

Love the coin (especially the eagle with the wreath) ... well played!!

:headphones:

 

Very nice coin.