Lot 143
Rome. Licinius II, as Caesar, 317-324 AD. Gold Solidus (5.30 g), Nicomedia mint, struck 321-322 AD. Facing draped and cuirassed bust of bearded Licinius Junior. Reverse: On high dais, Jupiter enthroned facing, holding scepter and Victory, who crowns him, eagle at his feet; IOVI CONSERVATORI CAES; within dais, SIC V / SIC X in two lines; SMN, gamma in exergue. Depeyrot 31/2; Vagi 3026; RIC 42; Calicó 5152a; Fr-826. Very lustrous, with charming juvenile portrait and imposing depiction of Jupiter. Very rare. NGC graded Uncirculated.
As in the case of similar previous junior son-Caesars, Flavius Valerius Licinius was inconsequential in the politics and actions of his father, but still suffered the same unhappy fate that befell his sire. Licinius Junior was 4 years old when his father made him Caesar, 8 when he celebrated his quinquennalia, 11 when he was deposed, and only 13 when Constantine had him executed.
This coin was struck to honor his quinquennalia (5th anniversary as Caesar), and on it he is shown with a facing portrait just like that of his father. The style is a clear forerunner of all the Byzantine facing portraits, whether of Christ or saint, or of the emperors and their family.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 24,000.
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| Realized $37,950 |
