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Antoninianus of Carausius - 1968.19

Acquisition number: 
1968.19

Obv.: Bust of Carausius r., radiate, draped, cuirassed, bearded. IMP(erator) C(aesar) CARAVSIVS P(ius) F(elix) AVG(ustus).

Rev.: Pax standing l., draped, holding olive branch in right hand and sceptre in left. PAX AVG(usti). In field, SP.

Title: Antoninianus of Carausius - 1968.19

Author or editor: Beryl Rawson

Culture or period: Roman Imperial

Date: AD 291-292

Material: Metal - Copper-silver alloy

Object type: Coins - Roman

Acquisition number: 1968.19

Dimensions: 23mm (w)

Origin region or location: United Kingdom

Display case or on loan: 7

Keywords: Coin, antoninianus, Roman, Imperial, Carausius, Pax

Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 13646; Mattingly, H., E.A. Sydenham, C.H. Sutherland, R.A. Carson, The Roman Imperial Coinage 13 vols (London,  Spink, 1923-1994) V part2. 475.

1968.19

Antoninianus of Carausius

4.137 g. AD 291-292

Obv.: Bust of Carausius r., radiate, draped, cuirassed, bearded. IMP(erator) C(aesar) CARAVSIVS P(ius) F(elix) AVG(ustus).

Rev.: Pax standing l., draped, holding olive branch in right hand and sceptre in left. PAX AVG(usti). In field, SP.

Carausius, commander of the Roman fleet on the Gallic coast opposite Britain, established his own rule in Britain in AD 286-287. Diocletian and Maximian were forced to come to terms with him c. AD 289, and this obverse title dates from that time. Carausius was murdered in AD 293. Britain was brought back under central Roman rule in AD 296.

Pax (‘Peace’) is a common reverse type in this reign. SP identifies the mint as London.

Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 13646; Mattingly, H., E.A. Sydenham, C.H. Sutherland, R.A. Carson, The Roman Imperial Coinage 13 vols (London,  Spink, 1923-1994) V part2. 475.

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