Sometimes we look at coins and take them at face value but don't see the story behind them. Lincinus II was raised to Caesar on 1st March A.D. 317 at the age of 20 months old. Thus when we see the coin below and see the image of the little Caesar we must remember that he was barely more than a toddler. Despite many issues with the coin I was taken with the portrait of the young Caesar. Licinius II Obv:– LICINIVS IVN NOB C, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right Rev:– ROMAE AETERNAE, P-R, Roma seated right holding shield inscribed X/V Minted in Rome (P - R //RP) A.D. 318-319 Reference:– RIC VII Rome 154 (R3)
Nice one! These LRB's do tend to try to magically age everyone to about 20-35, but sometimes the real age does shine through. I had always assumed this type to be the first issue for Licinius II: It must have been insane to the Roman people to have a toddler who probably still wore diapers as the Caesar of their empire!
At the time Rome had plenty of backup with two adults and a capable Crispus so I suspect the inclusion of Licinius and Constantine II was more for their fathers' egos than as an immediate suggestion for rule.
Nice portrait, @maridvnvm ! Agreed, sometimes we do not grasp the essence when we glance at the coin. i always felt this was an idd portrait on mine. RI Licinius II 317-324 CE Folles Jupiter w Eagle sinister left Antioch
I agree with you. Sometimes I will just take a few hours and go through my coins and then research the stories behind the emperors and the coins themselves. I love it when I can find unusual information on the ruler or on the history of the coin regarding its provenance and journey from ancient times. I makes me feel connected to the past.
My only Licinius Junior. I'm not gonna buy another one cause I don't like kids. They always stink and are full of germs. Licinius II Ae Follis 20mm 3.40g DN VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C / IOVI CONS-ERVATORI Cyzicus RIC VII 18
Nicomedia minted these around 317-320, a combination between the Jupiter type and the new campgate type of Heraclea of 317:
Very similar in style to @seth77's example and from Nicomedia too. On those specimens he really looks like a very young lad Licinius II, AE3 - Nicomedia mint, 4th officina, AD 317-318 D N VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C, draped and diademed bust right PROVIDENTIA CAESS, Jupiter standing left, holding victory and sceptre, palm at his feet, dot and Δ in right field. SMN at exergue 3.19 gr Ref : RCV # 115419 (75) Cohen # 39, RIC VII # 33-34 Q
Nicomedia has a great style throughout the 4th century and this local type I think is a good proof of that.
@maridvnvm.....That is an interesting style portrait.....Nice coin! Licinius II (320 ad)Follis.Siscia 3.00gr 20mm dia. Obv.LICINIVS IVN NOB C.(Laureate head right) Rev.CAESARVM NOSTRORVM (Wreath inscribed VOT.V Mintmark (delta)SIS(star) RIC VII Siscia #162 (Rated scarce)
Looking through my files it turns out I have bought a few of this young lad in the past few years. Licinius II - AE3 Obv:– LICINIVS IVN NOB CAES, Laureate head right Rev:– CAESARVM NOSTRORVM, VOT / I . S / . V . Minted in Siscia (//.DSIS.) A.D. 320 Reference:– RIC VII Siscia 143 (R3) Obv:– VAL LICINIVS NOB CAES, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right Rev:– IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt and sceptre, chlamys spread across both shoulders Minted in Arles (//T Star in Crescent A.) A.D. 318 Reference:– RIC VII Arles 160 (R3)
Here's a Licinius II at the age of two, a IOVI CONSERVATORI CAESS in the "looks better in hand" category: Licinius II, Caesar, AD 317-324. Roman Æ follis, 3.36 g, 17.55 mm, 5 h. Antioch, AD 317-318. Obv: D N VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C, laureate bust, left, holding mappa in the right hand and globe and scepter in left. Rev: IOVI CONSERVATORI CAESS, Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on globe; resting on scepter; at left, captive. SMANT in exergue, H in field, right. Refs: RIC 29; RCV 15415. And a youtube video of "music" by Death of Licinius II:
