| Licinius II (315-326) | Link to Wikipedia |
Licinius II (c. 315 – c. 326): History and Coinage
A Pivotal Heir to the Empire:
Welcome to an examination of a pivotal figure in late antiquity, Licinius II. Born around July or August 315 into a lineage that would dominate Roman politics for decades, he was known primarily as the son of Emperor Valerius Licinianus Licinius I and Flavia Julia Constantia.
The young man entered history during a volatile period marked by civil war between rival emperors. While his father marched against his rival in 316, the boy remained under care of his mother while their treasury was protected at Sirmium before fleeing to Singidunum after defeat. His life illustrates how Roman succession relied heavily on familial loyalty rather than simple birthright.
The Nature of Coinage:
The Curator’s Perspective:
We cherish these pieces not merely for their rarity but for what they reveal about Imperial censorship. Following Constantine's victory, Licinius II was executed in Pola in 326 and his name struck from inscriptions.
Coinage depicting him usually circulated as silver or copper alloy denarii before being superseded by the sole reign of his uncle, though specific dates are difficult to isolate due to standardization across provinces. During his second consulship in 321, large silver vessels were cast as part of largitio to celebrate a ceremonial age advancement known as quinqennalia.
The Curator’s Perspective:
- The youthful portrait represents the fragile peace before civil war.
- Rare specimens help contextualize Constantine's consolidation of power and how quickly it shifted to total control by 326.
If you are seeking these artifacts, focus on issues minted in Nicomedia or Sirmium. They serve as tangible history from a family whose story defines the early fourth-century political landscape. Their survival tells us where emperors were willing to spend gold before their downfall.
