Ave!

Licinius II, Thessalonica, 20-Year Vow reverse!  

Silvered Æ Follis; 19mm/3.3gm    Struck c. 319 AD

Con/ Well centered with a very sharp reverse. The silvering has oxidized to a dark brown, otherwise, Good Very Fine.

Obv/ LICINIVS IVN NOB CAES; laur., dr., and cuir. bust l.

Rev/ VIRTVS EXERCIT; Two bound captives flanking a standard inscribed VOT XX, S/F in fields.  The captive to right looks back and upward to the standard in shock and awe.

Thessalonica Mint; TS•A•. in exergue.

Ref/ RIC Vol VII 79 = Rare 2

Seller's Note/ Licinius II, was son of Licinius, grandson of Constantius I, and half-nephew of Constantine, born to Flavia Julia Constantia in July or August 315. At the time this coin was struck he was only a few years old! So, why a 20 year vow? Constantine I struck similar issues to celebrate his older sons Crispus and Constantine II, hence Licinius I followed suit and did the same for his only son.