Nummus - Licinius II as Caesar (PROVIDENTIAE CAESS; Nicomedia) (317-320) front Nummus - Licinius II as Caesar (PROVIDENTIAE CAESS; Nicomedia) (317-320) back
Nummus - Licinius II as Caesar (PROVIDENTIAE CAESS; Nicomedia) (317-320) photo
© CGB

Nummus - Licinius II as Caesar PROVIDENTIAE CAESS; Nicomedia

 
Bronze 2.53 g 15.4 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Licinius I (308-324)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
317-320
Value
Nummus (1⁄7200)
Currency
Solidus, Reform of Constantine (AD 310/324 – 395)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
2.53 g
Diameter
15.4 mm
Thickness
1.9 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#302948
Rarity index
94%

Reverse

Jupiter standing left, nude but chlamys draped across left shoulder, holding Victory on globe in right hand and leaning on long sceptre with left hand; palm in left field; dot over mint letter in right field.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
PROVIDENTIAE CAESS
·
A
SMN

Translation: Providentiae Caesarum Duorum: "The foresight of the Two Caesars".

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of Licinius II as Caesar, which suggests that he was appointed as a junior emperor or co-emperor during the reign of his father, Licinius I. This was a common practice in the Roman Empire, where sons or other close relatives of emperors were appointed as co-emperors to ensure a smooth succession and to strengthen the imperial dynasty. The coin's design and inscription also highlight the importance of the Roman goddess Providentia, who was often depicted on coins as a symbol of good fortune and divine guidance.