Numismatic

Roman Empire BI Nummus Licinius I (308-324 AD) AU NGC

---

During the turbulent decades of the early fourth century, the Roman Empire was ruled by a succession of powerful military leaders, including Emperor Licinius I, who held power from 308 to 324 AD. This ancient billon nummus, also classified as an AE3 coin, offers a direct connection to his reign. Billon, a metal alloy containing a small percentage of silver mixed with base metal, was commonly utilized for everyday coinage during this era of Roman history. The obverse of this coin features a detailed portrait of Licinius I. He is depicted facing to the left, adorned with a laureate wreath upon his head, a classic symbol of imperial authority and victory. While the reverse designs on these issues can vary, each coin serves as a miniature canvas reflecting the political and cultural themes of the late Roman Empire. Surviving the passage of nearly seventeen centuries, this particular specimen is preserved in remarkable Almost Uncirculated condition. Finding ancient bronze and billon coins with such minimal wear allows observers to appreciate the original artistry of the Roman mints and the crispness of the imperial portraiture just as it looked in antiquity.