Coins of the Roman Emperor Licinius (308-324 AD) and his son Licinius II (317-324 AD) 
   All their reverse types of bronze coins.
Images: Skip down to Licinius: DN, GENIO, IOVI, LICINI, ROMAE, VICTORIA, VOT.  Licinius II: CAESARVM, IOVI, PROVIDENTIAE, VICTORIA, VOT.

Contents:
    1) Tables listing reverse types, linked to images.
        For Licinius, for Licinius II, and double effigy.
    2) Some history (next).
    3) Images of coins with those reverse types.
    4) Comments on how I distinguish between between "types" and "varieties".
(There are similar pages for coins of Roman emperors Constantine II, Constans and Constantius II.)

Coin at the upper right: Licinius and Licinius II, vis-a-vis. For more about it, see below. (Skip down to the tables. Skip further down to the images.) 

What's new?  2026, March 5. This page is only a draft and far from ready. Much remains to be filled in.

History. Licinius became emperor in 308 in a unique manner--he was apponted at a conference!
   By 308 the orderly tetrarchal system (four rulers, two Augusti and two Caesars) instituted by Diocletian in 293 had broken down. The East was still as intended with Galerius as Augustus and Maximinus II (Daia/Daza) as Caesar, but the West had three rulers all claming the title Augustus: Constantine, Maximian, and Maxentius. To straighten this out, Galerius called the famous Conference at Carnuntum (a military city on the Danube 30 miles east of modern Vienna). The retired Diocletian attended as an elder statesman. The four main decisions were: 1) Constantine was to be demoted to western Caesar, 2) Maximian was to retire again, 3) Maxentius was declared a "public enemy," and 4) Licinius, a new man, was to become western Augustus (without ever having been Caesar).
   None of the decisions actually came to pass. Constantine continued to use the title Augustus. Maximian continued to seek power. Maxentius continued as Augustus at Rome. Licinius never made it to the West, but he did assume power in the middle--the former territory of Severus II, minus Rome and the other territory held by Maxentius. The early mints of Licinius included Siscia and Thessalonica.
   By 314 Constantine was sole ruler in the West (Some of that story is here) and Licinius was sole ruler in the East. Galerius, the eastern Augustus, had died in 311 from disease and Maximinus II took his territory and attempted to expand into the territory of Licinius, but in 313 Licinius defeated Maximinus II in battle and inherited the entire East. Because most of his coins are later issues that mention IOVI CONSERVATORI, collectors might think of Licinius as a Jovian, eastern, emperor. Nevertheless, technically he began as the western emperor.
   After an inconclusive war between Constantine and Licinus in 316, they reconciled and coined for each other. In 317 their three children, Licinius II, Crispus, and Constantine II, were made Caesars and each of their coin types was minted in all three of their names. A second war in 324 resulted in the victory of Constantine and the deaths of Licinius and Licinius II. Constantine became sole Augustus for the entire empire with his sons as Caesars. 

Collecting.  Roman-coin collectors usually begin by collecting portraits of the emperors. The five centuries of the Roman Empire are a very long time period with many rulers and a great deal of history to grasp. However, after learning some of the long Roman history a collector can discover that shorter time periods can be interesting and worth delving deeper into. I doubt many collectors care about Licinius and his time period, but it can be great fun to follow the ups and downs of rulers of the early fourth century as evidenced by their coins. Plus, most coins of Licinius and his son are very inexpensive, so you can make a good collection of their types without spending much money.
   Roman Imperial Coinage, volumes VI (294 AD through the death of Maximinus II in 313) and VII (313-337 AD) are the essential references. RIC lists coin types chronologically at each mint, so you can determine who was minting for whom, where, and when. It takes RIC to see history at that level, but this page will get you started.  RIC's rarity listings, while imprecise and somewhat outdated, help determine the enthusiasm with which each emperor recognized the others for whom he coined. 

Note for collectors: You are welcome to copy these tables to use them as a checklist. 

Tables: Table 1 has types of Licinius (next).  Table 3 has types of Licinius II.  Table 2 has rare types with both Licinius I and II vis-a-vis on the obverse. 
Images: Skip down to Licinius: DN, GENIO, IOVI, LICINI, ROMAE, VICTORIA, VOT. 
              Skip down to Licinius II: CAESARVM, IOVI, PROVIDENTIAE, VICTORIA, VOT. 
 

Numismatic notes:  When Licinius was using VOT XX, Licinius II was using VOT V. Vota types had previously celebrated only multiples of 10--previously VOT X was the minimum. These VOT V coins (shared with Crispus and Constantine II) are the first to make vows for 5 years of reign. Also, the coins with XV for 15 are the first to make vows for 15 years. There were only two rare VOTA types for Licinius I before issues including Licinius II, F221 and F264.

Skip down to Licinius: DN, GENIO, IOVI, LICINI, ROMAE, VICTORIA, VOT.  Licinius II: CAESARVM, IOVI, PROVIDENTIAE, VICTORIA, VOT.
 

Images.  Licinius. Table 1. 308-324.  (Several early issues spell his name with two Ns--LICINNIANVS.)


F185. [no photo] BONO GENIO PII IMPERATORIS, Genius standing. Only at Alexandria. Shared with Maximinus II and Constantine as Augusti, c. 311-312.

The reverse type, but for Maximinus II.
BONO GENIO PII IMPERATORIS

This example: Maximinus II
24 mm. 5.97 grams.
RIC VI Alexandria 144b, page 683. "c. 311-312"

F306. DN LICINI AVGVSTI around VOT XX in wreath 

Licinius
DN LICINI AVGVSTI around VOT XX in wreath 

This example: 19 mm. 2.72 grams.
IMP LICINIVS AVG 
RIC Arles 229 "321", page 259.

[In this issue Licinus II has VOT V  in wreath with CAESARVM NOSTRORVM around]
 

F307. DN LICINI INVICT AVG around VOT XX in wreath,  (Ticinum only)

Licinius 
DN LICINI INVICT AVG around VOT XX in wreath (Ticinum only)

This example: 19 mm. 2.52 grams.
Radiate head right.
IMP LICINIVS AVG 
RIC Ticinum 137 "320", page 378. (Three "r4" varieties)

[In this issue Licinius II has VOT V in wreath with DOMINORVM NOSTRORVM CAESS around.]
 

 

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GENIO.  Genius always holds a cornucopia with his left arm. Usually he holds a patera in his right. What is in his right hand will be described only if it is not the usual patera. 

F190. GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left holding patera  (A page on varieties of the GENIO AVGVSTI type.)

Licinius
GENIO AVGVSTI
Genius standing left holding patera

This example: 25 mm. 6.97 grams.
This early type is larger than most other Lininius types.
VAL LICINNIANVS LICINNIVS PF AVG
A long early legend with his named spelled with two Ns where later coins use one. 
RIC Cyzicus 34, "c. 309-310", page 587. 
Sear IV 15155

 

F190. GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left holding patera 

Licinius
GENIO AVGVSTI
Genius standing left holding patera 

This example: 25-23.3 mm. 6.97 grams.
A shorter obverse legend: VAL LICINIVS PF AVG
which uses the spelling which was generally adopted
RIC Thessalonica 30bA, apge 514. "Dec. 308-May 311"

 

F190 variety.  GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left, holding patera over altar

Licinius
GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left, holding patera over altar

This example: 22-20 mm. 4.04 grams.
VAL LICINNIANVS LICINNIVS PF AVG
Another long early legend.
RIC VI Cyzicus 100 "c. 312-313", page 593.
Sear IV 15158

 

F190 with Sol. GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left holding head of Sol

Licinius
GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left holding head of Sol

This example: 21 mm. 4.52 grams.
IMP C LIC LICINNIVS PF AVG (with "NN")
RIC Antioch 164a, page 643. "312"
 

F190 with Serapis. GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left holding head of Serapis

Licinius
GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left holding head of Serapis

This example: 22-21 mm. 5.58 grams.
RIC VI Alexandria 162a, page 685. "313"
Sear IV 15167
IMP C LIC LICINNIVS PF AVG  (with "NN")
 

F190 with Victory. GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left holding Victory on globe

Licinius
GENIO AVGVSTI, Genius standing left holding Victory on globe

This example: 21-20 mm. 4.69 grams.
RIC VI Antioch 162a, page 642. "311-312"
IMP C LIC LICINNIVS PF AVG  (with "NN")


 

F192. GENIO AVGVSTI CMH, Genius standing left holding patera (only Nicomedia and Cyzicus)

Licinius
Obverse legend: VAL LICINNIANVS LICINNIVS PF AVG
Note the double Ns which were replaced by N in later issues.
GENIO AVGVSTI CMH, Genius standing left holding patera
This example: 22 mm. 6.34 grams.
RIC VI Cyzicus 76 "c mid 311" page 591 "S"
Sear IV 15159

The meaning of the elided "CMH"  is unclear. Some think it may mean "C" for "100" and "MH" for "48" in some combination. This type with "CMH" struck only at Nicomedia and Cyzicus.

 

F195. GENIO EXERCITVS,  Genius standing holding patera over altar (Antioch only)

Licinius
GENIO EXERCITVS,  Genius standing holding patera over altar

This Example: 23 mm. 6.29 grams.
IMP C LIC LICINNIVS PF AVG  (with "NN")
RIC VI Antioch 147b, "310-311", page 638.
Sear IV 15170

This type only at Antioch for Galerius, Licinius, Maximinus II, and Constantine. 

 

F197. GENIO IMPERATORIS, Genius standing holding patera

Licinius
GENIO IMPERATORIS, Genius standing holding patera

This example: 24-23 mm. 6.90 grams.
IMP C LIC LICINNIVS PF AVG  (with "NN")
RIC VI Antioch 112b "early to later 309", page 632.

This issue with these fieldmarks was shared by Galerius, Licinius, and Maximian (his third reign!)  It is unclear why Galerius, who had arranged the Conference at Carnuntum which determined that Maximian should return to retired status, would mint for Maximian with the titles of an active Augustus.
 

F197. GENIO IMPERATORIS, Genius standing holding patera

Licinius
GENIO IMPERATORIS, Genius standing holding patera

This example:  25-24 mm. 6.36 grams.
RIC VI Cyzicus 57, page 588. "c. 309-310"
VAL LICINNIANVS LICINNIVS PF AVG
Another coin with the long early legend with his named spelled with two Ns where later coins use one. 

 

 

 

F197, variety with altar. GENIO IMPERATORIS, Genius standing holding patera over altar

Licinius
GENIO IMPERATORIS, Genius standing holding patera over altar

This example: 24-22 mm. 6.21 grams.
IMP C LIC LICINNIVS PF AVG  (with "NN")
RIC VI Antioch 133b, page 636. "310"

F198. GENIO POP ROM, Genius standing holding patera

Licinius
GENIO POP ROM, Genius standing holding patera

This example: 20 mm. 2.89 grams.
IMP LICINIVS PF AVG
RIC VII Trier 120, page 133. "316"
 

F198 (a second example). GENIO POP ROM, Genius standing holding patera

Licinius
GENIO POP ROM, Genius standing holding patera

This example: 21-18 mm. 2.73 grams.
IMP LICINIVS PF AVG
RIC VII Lyons 46, page 125. "315-316"
Sear IV 15195. 

F199. GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, Genius standing holding patera

Licinius
GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, Genius standing holding patera

This example: 21 mm. 2.72 grams.
IMP C LICINIVS PF AVG
RIC VII Rome 295c "312-3"

A late occurance of the GENIO POPVLI ROMANI legend.
 

F199 with Serapis. GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, Genius standing holding head of Serapis (Alexandria only)

Licinius
GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, Genius standing holding head of Serapis (Alexandria only)

This example: 22-20 mm. 5.40 grams.
RIC VII Alexandria 5, page 703. "313-314"
Sear IV 15199
 

F201. HERCVLI VICTORI, Hercules leaning right on club

Licinius
HERCVLI VICTORI, Hercules leaning right on club

This example: 22-20 mm. 4.98 grams.
RIC VI Nicomedia unlisted, but would be 68a. (68b is for Maximinus II with no 68a.) "c. May 311-313" 
IMP C VAL LICIN LICINIVS PF AVG
 

 

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IOVI

F254. IOVI CONSERVATORI,  Jupiter holds Victory and staff eagle at feet

Licinius
IOVI CONSERVATORI. Jupiter holds Victory and staff, eagle at feet
 

This example: 23-22 mm. 2.58 grams.
RIC VI Cyzicus 105a, page 584. "c. 312-313"

 

F254v.  IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter holds thunderbolt and staff

Licinius
Jupiter holds thunderbolt and staff

This example: 19-18 mm. 2.99 grams.
IMP LICINIVS PF AVG
RIC VII Aquileia 7 "317"

 

F279. IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter holds Victory with eagle, XIIΓ in right field (for the denomination "12 1/2"). Obverse bust is radiate for the Augusti and helmeted for the Caesars.

Licinius
IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter holds Victory, eagle and captive, XIIΓ in right field (for the denomination).
Obverse bust is radiate.

This example: 20-19 mm. 4.00 grams.
RIC Antioch 35, struck "321-323", page 682
Sear IV 15225

Another example, but from Alexandria, is next.
 

 

F279 (a second example). IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter holds Victory, eagle and captive at feet, XIIΓ in right field (for the denomination). Obverse bust is radiate.

Licinius
Radiate bust, as always for Licinius and Constantine for this denomination. The Caesars are not radiate.
IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter holds Victory, eagle and captive at feet, XIIΓ in right field

This example: 19-18 mm. 2.97 grams.
RIC VII Alexandria 28, page 709. "321-322"
Sear IV 15226
 

F248. (Base silver agrenteus) IOVI CONSERVATORI AVG, Jupiter rides eagle flying right. Struck c. 312. Mintmark PTR (Not STR)

Licinius
IOVI CONSERVATORI AVG, Jupiter rides eagle flying right
(Trier only)

This example: 18 mm. 2.85 grams.
RIC VI Trier 825 "R3" "base silver" "309-May 313"
Sear IV 15144
This is really a different denomination from the AE above. It is from a base-silver issue shared with Constantine and Maximinus II that is now called a "base silver argenteus." It is a debased successor of the good-silver argenteus of the coin reform of 294. 

 

F248. IOVI CONSERVATORI AVG [only one "G"], Jupiter rides eagle flying right, Struck c. 319.  Mintmark STR.

Licinius
IOVI CONSERVATORI AVG [Only one "G"], Jupiter rides eagle flying right
(Trier only)

This example: 18 mm. 
IMP LICINIVS AVG
Note the mintmark is "STR", not "PTR". 
RIC VII Trier 212 , page 224. "319 AD" "r3"

This type is easy to mistake for the earlier base-silver argenteus above.

 

F202.  IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG,  Jupiter holds Victory with eagle at feet.

Licinius
IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG,  Jupiter holds Victory with eagle at feet.

This example: 24 mm. (large) 3.65 grams.
IMP C VAL LICIN LICINIVS PF AVG (long legend)
RIC VI Heraclea 73, page 514. "early 313"
Sear IV 15240

 

F202 (a second example). IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG,  Jupiter holds Victory with eagle at feet.

Licinius
IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG,  Jupiter holds Victory with eagle at feet.

This example: 21-20 mm.  3.36 grams. (Smaller than the above example)
IMP C VAL LICIN LICINIVS PF AVG (long legend)
RIC VII Alexandria 10a, page 705. "315"
Sear IV 15246

Coin sizes were decreasing rapidly. The larger one above is from 313 and this smaller one from 315.

 

F202. IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG,  Jupiter holds Victory with captive at feet.

Licinius
IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG,  Jupiter holds Victory with captive at feet

This example:  19 mm. 3.85 grams.
IMP LICINIVS AVG 
RIC VII Antioch 27 "317-320"
Sear IV 15239
 

F278. IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG, Jupiter standing holding globe and scepter (no Victory, eagle, or captive). AVGG for Constantine and Licinius. CAESS for Crispus, Licinius II, and Constantine II.

Licinius
IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG, Jupiter standing holding globe and scepter (no Victory, eagle, or captive)

This example: 18 mm. 3.22 grams.
IMP LICINIVS AVG 
RIC VII Alexandria 23, page 707. "317-320"
 

F202.  IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG NN,  Jupiter holds Victory with eagle at feet.

Licinius
IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG NN,  Jupiter holds Victory with eagle at feet.

This example:  22 mm. 3.71 grams.
IMP LIC LICINIVS PF AVG 
RIC VI Thessalonica 59, page 519. "c. 312-313"
Sear IV 15249
 

Skip to Licinius: DN, GENIO, IOVI, LICINI, ROMAE, VICTORIA, VOT.  Licinius II: CAESARVM, IOVI, PROVIDENTIAE, VICTORIA, VOT.

F314. LICINI AVGVSTI around VO/ TIS/ XX (Arles only) or VOT/ IS/ XX (Siscia only) with no wreath.

Licinius
LICINI AVGVSTI around.
VO/ TIS/ XX (no wreath).


This example: 21-17 mm. 2.82 grams.
IMP LICINIVS PF AVG 
RIC Arles 219 "S" "320-3121", page 258 (only this one mint and officina for the "VO" first line)
Sear 15253

 

F204. MARTI CONSERVATORI, Mars standing right with reversed spear and shield

Licinius
MARTI CONSERVATORI, Mars standing right with reversed spear and shield

This example: 23-21.4 mm. 4.29 grams.
IMP LICINIVS PF AVG 
RIC Ticinum 123b, page 298. "312-313"
Sear 15258

 

 

F282. PROVIDENTIAE AVGG, city gate.  [AVGG is for Constantine and Licinius. CAESS is for Crispus, Licinius II, and Constantine II.]

Licinius
PROVIDENTIAE AVGG, city gate

This example: 20-18 mm. 2.84 grams.
IMP LICINIVS AVG 
RIC Heraclea 48, page 547.  "318-320"
Sear 15268

 

F315. ROMAE AETERNAE, XV on shield held by Roma seated right.  Issued for Constantine, Licinius, Crispus, Licinius II, and Constantine II.

Licinius 
ROMAE AETERNAE, XV on shield held by Roma seated right.

This example: 19 mm. 3.42 grams.
IMP LICINIVS AVG 
RIC Rome 151 (but unlisted with officina T), "318-319" page 315.
Sear IV 15354, no photo.

F208v. SOLI [or SOLE] INVICTO, Sol standing left in long robe, raising right hand and holding head of Serapis in left (Antioch only)

Licinius
SOLI INVICTO
Sol standing left in long robe, raising right hand and holding head of Serapis in left

This example: 22-20 mm. 4.19 grams.
IMP C LIC LICINNIVS   (two Ns)
RIC Antioch 167a, page 644. "312"
Sear 15272

 

F208. SOLI INVICTO COMITI, Sol standing raising right hand [Issued by Constantine, this is one of the most common ancient-coin reverse types, with most examples of the type in the name of Constantine. The lack of coins in the name of Licinius II shows this type was from before 317.] 

Licinius
SOLI INVICTO COMITI, Sol standing raising right hand


This example: 20 mm. 2.97 grams.
IMP LICINIVS PF AVG 
RIC Rome 30, page 299. "314-315"
Sear 15320
This example is remarkable for still having some silvering.

F208 (a second example). SOLI INVICTO COMITI, Sol standing raising right hand

Licinius
SOLI INVICTO COMITI, Sol standing raising right hand

This example: 20 mm. 3.44 grams.
Repatinated
IMP LICINIVS PF AVG 
A second example, very similar to the above example. Only the direction of the feet and legs is different--hardly worth noting.
RIC Arles 88, page 241. "early 316"
Sear 15286

F208 variety. SOLI INVICTO COMITI, Sol standing raising right hand. Cross in left field.

Licinius
SOLI INVICTO COMITI, Sol standing raising right hand. Cross in left field.

This example: 18-17 mm. 2.92 grams.
IMP LICINIVS PF AVG 
RIC VII Ticinum 46, page 366. "316"

This variety with a cross really belongs to Constantine, for whom it is scarce. For Licinius, it is very rare.

 

F241. SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, legionary eagle between two standards.

Licinius
SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, legionary eagle between two standards.

This example. 22 mm. 4.41 grams.
IMP LICINIVS PF AVG 
RIC VI Rome 350c, page 390. "312 (end) - 313"
Sear IV 15307

This type was issued by Constantine. 

 

F287. VICTORIA AVGG NN, Victory left (Thessalonica only).  [Issued only for Constantine and Licinius with AVGG. It ends CAESS is for the Caesars, below.]

Licinius
VICTORIA AVGG NN, Victory left

This example:  19 mm. 2.83 grams.
IMP LICINIVS AVG 
RIC Thessalonica 61 "r2" (only one mint, one issue, one officina), "319", page 506. 
Sear IV 15358
 

F316. VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP around VOT PR on shield held by two Victories above cippus.  (See the next coin for the abbreviation "VICT")

Licinius
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP around VOT PR on shield held by two Victories above cippus. 

This example: 20-19 mm. 3.22 grams.
IMP LIC LICINIVS PF AVG 
RIC Siscia 62, page 433. "319"
Sear IV 15363A. 

[This type for Licinius II is below.]

F316v minor variety with "VICT" for "VICTORIA": VICT LAETAE PRINC PERP around VOT PR on shield held by two Victories above cippus. 

Licinius
VICT LAETAE PRINC PERP around VOT PR on shield held by two Victories above cippus. 

This example: 19 mm. 2.97 grams.
IMP LICINIVS AVG 
RIC Siscian 86A, page 435.  "319"
Sear IV 15363A 
 

 

F320. VIRTVS EXERCIT around standard with VOT XX between two captives, 

Licinius
VIRTVS EXERCIT around
VOT
 XX 
on standard between two captives

This example: 18 mm. 2.85 grams.
IMP LICINIVS AVG 
RIC Siscia 110, page 438.  "320"
 

F320v. As above, but with symbol to the left of the banner, perhaps Iota-Chi.

Licinius
VIRTVS EXERCIT around
VOT
 XX 
on standard between two captives, 

[Some scholars thought the symbol was a Christian chi-rho, but it never has the loop of the rho, so it might be a star or, if Christian, an Iota-Chi (for Ihsus CHristus).]

This example: 18 mm. 2.62 grams.
IMP LICINIVS AVG 
RIC Aquileia 59 "r4" (only this officina, S) "320" page 401. 
Sear IV 15374 

F212. VIRTVTI EXERCITVS, Virtus right with spear and trophy over shoulder

Licinius
VIRTVTI EXERCITVS, Virtus right with spear and trophy over shoulder

This example. 26-25 mm. 6.51 grams.
VAL LICINIVS PF AVG 
RIC VI Thessalonica 37b, page 515. "Dec. 308-May 310"

This is the first issue and largest size for Licinius.

 

F324. VOT /XV FEL /XX RQ in wreath.  (Rome only). This issue has two arrangements of the lettering (see the next two coins). Issued for Constantine, Licinius, Crispus, Licinius II, and Constantine II. It is very rare for Constantine and Licinius and extremely rare for the others. 

 

Licinius
  VOT
XV FEL
XX RQ  in wreath (Rome only)

This example: 18-17 mm. 2.48 grams.
IMP LICINIVS AVG 
RIC Rome 221 "r5" (2 officina, each r5), page 319. "320"
Sear 15381 variety.

Struck in Rome under Constantine, this issue has two arrangements of the lettering. See the next coin.
 

F324, minor variety.  VOT /XV / FEL /XX RQ in wreath.  (Rome only).

Licinius
VOT
X  V
FEL
X  X
 RQ  in wreath
This Example: 18-17mm. 3.02 grams.
IMP LICINIVS AVG 
RIC VII Rome unlisted officina, but would be Rome 215 with officina Q. (Only officina P is listed and it is "r5"), page 318. "320" 
Sear IV 15381.

Struck in Rome under Constantine, this issue has two arrangements of the lettering. See the previous coin.

F326. VOT XX/MVLT/XXX/TSA in wreath. (Thessalonica only) [VOT XX for Constantine and Licinius]

Licinius
VOT XX
 MVLT
  XXX
   TSA
in wreath.
This example: 19.5 mm. 2.80 grams.
IMP LICINIVS AVG 
RIC VII Thessalonica 33 "r3", only one officina, only this one mint. page 504. "318-319"

 

 

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Fractions. Constantine struck a few scarce and rare types of smaller denominations ("fractions") at Trier and Rome. As co-ruler, coins for Licinius were included, but in very small numbers. All are rare or very rare. 

F265. (fraction) FVNDAT PACIS, Mars advancing right with trophy over shoulder and dragging captive

Licinius
FVNDAT PACIS, Mars advancing right with trophy over shoulder and dragging captive
(Trier and Rome only)
A half-follis. 

This example: 17 -16 mm. 1.22 grams. 
IMP LICINIVS PF AVG 
RIC VII Rome 13, page 297. Only two officina, both r4.  Struck "313."

F266. (fraction) GLORIA PERPET two Victories advancing right (Trier and Rome only).  Very rare, no photo.

F268. (fraction) SAPIENT PRINCIP, altar with owl (Trier and Rome only). Very rare, no photo.

F221. (fraction) VOT X MVL XX, in wreath (Trier only). Very rare, no photo.
 

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Skip to Licinius: DN, GENIO, IOVI, LICINI, ROMAE, VICTORIA, VOT.  Licinius II: CAESARVM, IOVI, PROVIDENTIAE, VICTORIA, VOT.

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Licinius and Licinius II, 317-324.  Table 2.

F277. Busts of Licinius and Licinius II, vis-a-vis. Obverse legend: DD NN IOVII LICINII INVICT

IOM ET VIRTVTI DD NN AVG ET CAES, Jupiter standing left, trophy to left, two captives below. (Antioch only). RIC Heraclea 50 with attribution corrected to Antioch by Bastien, NC 1973. Struck late 317-early 318.

Licinius
Busts of Licinius and Licinius II, vis-a-vis.
DD NN IOVII LICINII INVICT
IOM ET VIRTVTI DD NN AVG ET CAES, Jupiter standing left, trophy to left, two captives below. (Antioch only). 

This example: 22 mm. 4.14 grams.
RIC Heraclea (in error) 50, corrected by Bastien NC 1973 to Antioch, late 317-early 318.
 

F275, 275B, 275C, and 276. "Double effigy" types. In 317 when the three Caesar were created, three mints of Licinius issued very rare types, slightly larger than all the other types (22 mm instead of 18-20 mm), with busts vis-a-vis on the obverse. There are three recorded bust combinations:
Licinius and Licinius II (above)
Constantine and Licinius
Licinius II and Constantine II
and, given the rarity of each, it may be that other combinations will eventually be found, especially since Crispus was senior to Constantine II. Bastien (NC, 1973) discusses the "double-effigy" types. Only the one type above is illustrated here. 
 

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Licinius II images, 317-324.  Table 3.

F299.  BEATA TRANQVILLITAS around altar with VOT[IS] XX and globe on top [no image]. 321AD. This is very common type for Constantine, Crispus, and Constantine II issued only from mints of Constantine (London, Lyons, and Trier). A few extremely rare examples for Licinius and Licinius II have been recorded from Trier.  

F300. CAESARVM NOSTRORVM around VOT/V in wreath.

Licinius II
CAESARVM NOSTRORVM around 
VOT/V in wreath.
This example:18.7-18.4 mm. 3.12 grams.
LICINIVS IVN NOB CAES
RIC Thessaloncia 99, page 510. "r3" "320" (only one officina)
 

 

F302. CAESARVM NOSTRORVM around VOT/IS/V (no wreath). [VOTIS V for Crispus, Licinius II and Constantine II] 

Licinius II
CAESARVM NOSTRORVM around 
VOT/IS/V (no wreath)

This example: 20 mm. 3.50 grams.
LICINIVS IVN NOB CAES
RIC Siscia 143 "r3" "320", page 442.

 

F302v. CAESARVM NOSTRORVM around VO / TIS / V (no wreath)

Licinius II
CAESARVM NOSTRORVM around 
VO / TIS / V (no wreath)

This example: 21-18 mm. 3.32 grams.
LICINIVS NOB CAES
RIC VII Arles 221 "r3" "320-321"
 

F273. CONCORDIA AVGG NN, Concordia standing standing with long cadeuceus and holding cornucopia (Aquilia only. RIC Aq 12, 13 "s" and "r4", "317")

Licinius II
CONCORDIA AVGG NN
Concordia standing standing with long cadeuceus and holding cornucopia

This example: 23-20 mm. 2.98 grams.
LICINIVS IVN NOB CAES
RIC Aquileia 12, page 394, photo plate 11. "317"
The type is shared with Licinius, for whom it is RIC Aq 11, "r5" with only one officina, and not shared with anyone else. A rare reverse type. 
The reverse legend is also on some solidi.
 

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IOVI (Licinius II)

279 IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter holds Victory with eagle, XIIΓ in right field (for the denomination). The augusti are radiate [Licinius above], the Caesars helmeted.

Licinius II
IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter holds Victory with eagle, XIIΓ in right field (for the denomination).
Obverse bust of Licinius II is helmeted.  

This example: 21-19 mm. 2.92 grams.
DN VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C
RIC Antioch 36B "321-323" page 682.

F278A. IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing left holding thunderbolt and long staff

Licinius II
IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing left holding thunderbolt and long staff

This example: 20 mm. 2.82 grams.
VAL LICINIVS NOB CAES
RIC Arles 142, page 248. "317-318"

F278A, variety. IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing left holding thunderbolt and long staff

Licinius II
IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter standing left holding thunderbolt and long staff

This example: 20 mm. 3.65 grams.
LICINIAN LICINIVS IVN
RIC Ticinum 91, page 371. "317-8"
This type is without any imperial title. Look at the obverse legend. It has his name, but no ttitle like "CAES" or even "PRINCIPS". This obverse legend is only from Ticinum and extremely rare. 

F278B.  IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter right hurling thunderbolt

Licinius II
IOVI CONSERVATORI, Jupiter right hurling thunderbolt

This example:  21 mm. 3.60 grams.
VAL LICINIVS NOB CAES
RIC Arles 128, struck 317, page 246

 

F278. IOVI CONSERVATORI CAESS, Jupiter standing holding Victory and scepter (no eagle or captive). [CAESS for Crispus, Licinius II, and Constantine II. AVGG for Constantine and Licinius.]

Licinius II
IOVI CONSERVATORI CAESS, Jupiter standing holding Victory and scepter (no eagle or captive)

This example: 18 mm. 2.53 grams.
DN VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C
RIC Antioch 39 "317-320" page 680.
 

F278v.  IOVI CONSERVATORI CAESS, Jupiter standing holding Victory and scepter, captive at feet left (no eagle). [CAESS for Crispus, Licinius II, and Constantine II. AVGG for Constantine and Licinius.]

Licinius II
IOVI CONSERVATORI CAESS, Jupiter standing holding Victory and scepter, captive feet left (no eagle)

This example: 18 mm. 3.47 grams.
DN VAL LICIN LICINIVS NOB C
RIC Antioch 39 "317-320" page 680.

F278v. IOVI CONSERVATORI CAESS, Jupiter holding globe and scepter  [with AVGG for the Augusti] 
  [no image]

F283. PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, Jupiter holding Victory

Licinius II
PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, Jupiter holding Victory

This example:  18 mm. .92 grams.
RIC Nicomedia 34. "317-320", page 605.

F282. PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, city gate. [CAESS it for Crispus, Licinius II, and Constantine II. AVGG for Constantine and Licinius.]

Licinius II
PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, city gate

This example: 18 mm. 3.22 grams.
RIC Heraclea 36 "318-320" page 546

 

F315, ROMAE AETERNAE, XV on shield held by Roma seated right.  Issued for Constantine, Licinius, Crispus, Licinius II, and Constantine II.

Licinius II
XV on shield held by Roma seated right.

This example: 18 mm. 3.94 grams.
LICINIVS IVN NOB C
RIC Rome 154 "r3" (with two other officina at r3 and r4) "318-319" page 315.
Sear IV 15354, no photo.

 

F284. SAECVLI FELICITAS, shield with AVG on cippus  [no photo]

 

F287. VICTORIA CAESS NN, Victory left (Thessalonica only).  Issued only for Crispus, Licinius II, and Constantine II. (There is an AVGG version for Constantine and Licinius.)

Licinius II
VICTORIA CAESS NN, Victory left 

This example: 19 mm. 3.36 grams.
LICINIVS IVN NOB CAES
RIC Thessalonica 63 "r3" (only one mint, one issue, one officina, with a second "r5" with a different obverse legend), page 506
Sear IV 15454

 

F316. VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP around VOT PR on shield held by two Victories above cippus. 

Licinius II
VOT PR on shield held by two Victories above cippus
VICTORIAE LAETAE PRINC PERP

This example: 20-19 mm. 3.41 grams.
LICINIVS IVN NOB CAES
RIC Siscia 70 "319" page 433.
 

F316 variety with "VICT" instead of "VICTORIAE". VICT LAETAE PRINC PERP around VOT PR on shield held by two Victories above cippus. 

Licinius II
VOT PR on shield held by two Victories above cippus
VICT LAETAE PRINC PERP

This example: 18 mm. 2.52 grams.
LICINIVS IVN NOB CAES
RIC Siscia 105 variety "319-320" page 436. There are many minor varieties, each individually very rare, but in total (if you don't care about dots in the mintmark) only scarce.

F291. VIRTVS EXERCIT, trophy with captives either side.

Licinius II
VIRTVS EXERCIT, trophy with captives either side.

This example: 19 mm. 3.23 grams.
LICINIVS IVN NOB C
RIC Trier 264 "320" page 187.
Radiate!

 

 

F319. VIRTVS EXERCIT around standard with VOT X between two captives.
             (VOT XX for the Augusti and VOT X for the three Caesars, but some for Licinius II have VOT XX.)

Licinius II
VIRTVS EXERCIT around
VOT
  X  on standard between two captives

This example: 19 mm. 2.95 grams.
LICINIVS IVN NOB CAES
RIC Siscia 132 "320" page 440. 

 

 

F292. VIRTVS MILITVM DD NN, Mars with trophy (Thessalonica only)

Licinius II
VIRTVS MILITVM DD NN, Mars walking right with spear and trophy (Thessalonica only)

This example: 21 mm. 2.98 grams.  [Note: This one is a little larger than the others.]
LICINIVS IVN NOB CAESAR
RIC Thessaloncia 22 "r3" "317-318", page 502
 

F321. VOT V/MVLT X/CAESS/TS Є in wreath. (Thessalonica only) [VOT V for Crispus, Licinius II and Constantine II] 

Licinius II
VOT V/MVLT X/CAESS/TS Є 

This example:  18 mm. 3.12 grams.
LICINIVS IVN NOB CAES
RIC Thessaloncia 42 "r4" with one other officina "r5". "318-319".

[This issue has VOT XX for Constantine and Licinius.]
 

 

F322. VOT X/ET XV F/RP in wreath. [This issue has VOT/XV/FEL/XX for Licinius and Constantine.]

Licinius II
 VOT X
ET XV F
  R P 

This example: 19 mm. 3.14 grams.
LICINIVS IVN NOB C
RIC Rome 208, "r4 and r5" "320"  (Rome only)

Skip to Licinius: DN, GENIO, IOVI, LICINI, ROMAE, VICTORIA, VOT.  Licinius II: CAESARVM, IOVI, PROVIDENTIAE, VICTORIA, VOT.

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What's in the tables? The tables list a reverse type set for Licinius I and Licinius II in AE. The primary references are RIC VII (up to 313) and RIC VIII (after 313), but many types are issued from many mints and with several obverses and would not have a unique RIC ID number, so I have chosen to use Failmezger numbers (given as "Fxyz") because his ID numbers are for reverse types which is what I am lisiting. What this page contributes is the list of the reverse types of these emperors in AE, illustrations of many types and of some varieties. 

Rarity:  C = common,
S = scarce (readily available, but with far fewer examples than the "common" types)
R= rare  RR = very rare   RRR = extremely rare. Attested but almost never seen.

Types and Varieties. You may, of course, distinguish types from varieties in any way you like. For purposes of this page the type is determined by the reverse legend and central design, not including field marks or mintmarks. Even with the same reverse, collectors rightly regard coins with different obverse busts as different types, but here they considered one type because this page concentrates on reverse types only. 
   The line between type and variety can be fine. Are two similar coins with the same design and legend different types if they are from different mints? What if their field marks are different denoting that they are from different issues? Yes, for some collectors, but, for purposes of this page, they are regarded as different varieties of the same type.  Are two similar coins with Jupiter standing with the same legend different types if on one he is holding the head of Sol and on the other he is holding the head of Serapis? Are they the same type if one has an eagle at Jupiter's feet and the other doesn't? For purposes of this page I regard them as different types because important elements of the designs are different. I am not claiming that this definition of the word type is somehow right and better than alternatives. I am just explaining how this particular page uses the term type for reverses. 
 

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Imitations. Ancient coins were frequently counterfeited in ancient times. For AE3 of this time period, often the reason was simply to increase the supply of small change. Under the Republic and empire there was a profit motive for counterfeiting denarii, but not for these AE3s. Very many imitation AEs of Constantine are known, including many from the Balkans and along the Danube. In contrast, very few imitations of coins of Licinius have appeared. Here are three:


Licinius
IOVI CONSERVATORI design

This piece: 22 mm. 3.68 grams.
IMP C VAL LICIN LICINIVS PF AVG
Obverse lettering bold.
Mintmark uncertain. Prototype possibly RIC VII Heraclea 64.

Licinius
IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG design
Crude lettering. The letters look something like
      IMP C VAL ECVA LICINVS PF AVG
for IMP C VAL LICIN LICINIVS PF AVG
Reverse blundered lettering something like:
IOVI IOVSEY YATOIIAVGG

This piece: 23-20 mm. 3.32 grams.
The many fieldmarks make it possible to identify the prototype. 
RIC VII Alexandria 18, page 706. "316-317" 

 

Licinius
IOVI CONSERVATORI AVGG design

This piece: 22-21 mm. 3.43 grams.
Crude lettering, badly blurred. The letters, with imagination and foreknowledge, might make something like
IMP CVKxSxxTxxLIxxNIxxVS AVx  (all uncertain)
The fieldmarks are a big part of the identification of this peice as an imitation of Licinius. The lettering alone is not clear.

The many fieldmarks make it possible to identify the prototype. 
RIC VII Alexandria 18, page 706. "316-317" 

 

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References.

Failmezger, Victor "Tory".  Roman Bronze Coins: From Paganism to Christianity, 294-364 AD. 2002. 

Roman Imperial Coinage, volumes VI (through the death of Maximinus II in 313) and VII (313-337 AD)

Sear, David. Roman Coins and their values, volume IV (AD 284-337). 2011

 

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Go back up to Licinius: DN, GENIO, IOVI, LICINI, ROMAE, VICTORIA, VOT.  
                   Licinius II: CAESARVM, IOVI, PROVIDENTIAE, VICTORIA, VOT.

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