Licinius I, 308-324. Aureus (Gold, 20 mm, 5.17 g, 12 h), Siscia, 312-313. LICINI-VS P F AVG Laureate head of Licinius I to right. Rev. IOVI CONSER-VATORI AVG / SIS Jupiter standing front, head to left, holding thunderbolt in his right hand and long scepter in his left; at his feet, eagle standing left, head to right; in field to right, X. Calicó 5120. Cohen -. Depeyrot 12/1. RIC 212 var. (eagle holding wreath). An extremely rare variety. Lustrous and sharply struck. A few tiny marks, otherwise, good extremely fine.


The X in the field of this beautiful aureus of Licinius I likely alludes to the celebrations of his quinquennalia on 11 November 312. Such imperial anniversaries were traditionally accompanied by public vows (vota publica) for the emperor’s forthcoming regnal years. The numeral X thus denotes the vows undertaken on the occasion of Licinius’ fifth regnal anniversary in anticipation of his decennalia.