Licinius II Caesar/ Jupiter - Follis - 19mm 
                         Antioch mint 321-3 AD RIC 36

Coins were issued in the name of Licinius' young son who can be
distinguished from his father by his younger features and legends
bearing an abbreviation for Caesar. Licinius II was never
Augustus so any coin with that title belongs to the father. This coin bears a long obverse legend that
can be expanded to: Dominus Noster VALerius LICINianus LICINIVS NOBilis Caesar. He is
shown wearing a helmet and carrying a spear and shield. On the reverse, Jupiter stands holding a
statue of Victory and a staff topped by an eagle. At his feet is an eagle holding a wreath in its mouth
and a bound captive. The legend is dedicated to Jupiter as savior (IOVI CONSERVATORI). The
mintmark SMANTZ is Sacra Moneta ANTioch Z (#7 - the workshop). In the field is the Roman
numeral 12 1/2, a mark of value of the denomination.


Douglas Smith