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Licinius I, 11 November 308 - 18 September 324 A.D.
Sol Invictus ("Unconquered Sun") was the sun god of the later Roman Empire and a patron of soldiers. In 274 the Roman emperor Aurelian made it an official cult alongside the traditional Roman cults. The god was favored by emperors after Aurelian and appeared on their coins until Constantine. The last inscription referring to Sol Invictus dates to 387 and there were enough devotees in the 5th century that Augustine found it necessary to preach against them. The date 25 December was selected for Christmas to replace the popular Roman festival Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, the "Birthday of the Unconquered Sun."RL93201. Billon follis, Hunter V 42 (also 2nd officina), RIC VII Rome 29 (R2), SRCV IV 15302, Cohen VII 163, VF/F, red-brown coppery toning, slightly off center on a broad flan, parts of legends weak, 2nd officina, Rome mint, weight 2.955g, maximum diameter 20.1mm, die axis 180o, 314 - 315 A.D.; obverse IMP LICINIVS P F AVG, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right; reverse SOLI INVICTO COMITI (to the unconquered Sun, minister [of the Emperor]), Sol standing slightly left, radiate, nude but for chlamys over shoulders and left arm, raising right hand commanding sunrise, globe in left hand, R over X left, F right, RS in exergue; from the Errett Bishop Collection; rare; SOLD
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