Ancient Roman Bronze Coin of Emperor Licinius I (Constantinian Era), c. AD 300s

Own a Bronze Coin from Constantine's Co-Emperor — Who Helped Grant Christians Their Freedom, Then Was Executed by the Man He Helped

A real AE bronze of Licinius I — the eastern co-emperor who co-authorized the Edict of Milan granting legal tolerance to Christianity in AD 313, governed the east for over a decade as Constantine consolidated the west, and was ultimately defeated at Chrysopolis and executed by the very man he had ruled alongside. NGC certified.

✓ NGC Certified
✓ Guaranteed Authentic
✓ 30-Day Returns

✝ Co-authorized the Edict of Milan in AD 313 — the foundational document granting legal tolerance to Christianity across the entire Roman Empire
🏛 Reverse depicts Roman deities, Victory, Providence, or military symbolism — traditional pagan imperial imagery from the final chapter before Constantine's Christianization
🤲 Struck AD 308–324 — from the co-emperor who helped build Christian Rome and was then destroyed by it. NGC certified.

Own This Piece of History

Why This Coin Matters

Licinius emerged from the chaos of the Tetrarchy's collapse as one of its most politically durable survivors. Appointed Augustus by Galerius in AD 308, he initially governed the Balkan provinces and gradually extended his control eastward as the other Tetrarchs eliminated themselves through civil war and conspiracy. When he defeated Maximinus Daza at Tzirallum in AD 313, he became sole ruler of the entire eastern empire — precisely as Constantine was consolidating the west after his victory at the Milvian Bridge in AD 312.

The two men had been formally allied since AD 313, when Licinius married Constantine's sister Constantia at Milan and the two emperors co-authorized the famous Edict of Milan — the document that granted legal tolerance to Christianity and all other religions throughout the empire. It was one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in western history, and Licinius's name is on it alongside Constantine's. In that moment, they genuinely appeared to be governing partners.

The partnership deteriorated through two civil wars — AD 316–317 and finally the decisive conflict of AD 324. At the Battle of Chrysopolis near the Bosphorus, Constantine defeated Licinius completely. His wife Constantia negotiated her husband's surrender with a promise of safety. Constantine kept it briefly — then had Licinius executed in AD 325, citing alleged conspiracy. Constantine became sole emperor of the reunited Roman world, and the Christianization of the state accelerated rapidly. Licinius's bronze coinage — still carrying traditional pagan imagery even while he co-governed with the first Christian emperor — represents the last imperial coins struck before that transformation was complete. Certified by NGC.

Perfect for:

• Collectors of Tetrarchy collapse era, Edict of Milan, and Roman AE bronze folles
• History lovers drawn to Licinius, the civil wars with Constantine, and the Christianization of Rome
• Edict of Milan co-signatory, traditional pagan imagery, and NGC certified late Roman bronze enthusiasts
• Anyone seeking a coin from the co-emperor who helped grant Christians their freedom and paid for it with his life

What You'll Receive

• One authentic AE bronze of Licinius I
• Denomination: AE 2/3 (follis or reduced follis — standard late Roman bronze)
• NGC certified for authenticity and preservation
• Struck AD 308–324 — similar to examples shown (each coin is unique)

Buy with Confidence

• Guaranteed authentic ancient coin
• Carefully sourced and verified
• 30-day return policy
• Secure shipping from the U.S.

New to Ancient Coins?

Start your journey here: kinzercoins.com/collections/im-new-to-ancient-coins