Lot 3278
Carausius. Æ Antoninianus (4.03 g), Romano-British Emperor, AD 287-293. Londinium. IMP C CARAVSIVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Carausius right. Reverse: PAX [AV]GGG, Pax standing facing, head left, holding olive-branch and scepter; S-P//MLXXI. RIC 141. Dark olive-green patina. Choice Very Fine.
The reverse legend ending AVGGG, meaning joint rule between himself and his imperial 'colleagues', Diocletian and Maximianus, was a propagandistic ploy that attempted to portray Carausius as having some legitimacy as emperor rather than the usurper that he was. He also struck coins in the names of both Diocletian and Maximianus, as well as some impressive pieces showing the conjoined busts of all three emperors together (e.g., RIC 1). This effort must have either been either short-lived or the coins were eventually recalled as they are all quite uncommon.
Estimated Value $300 - 350.
|
| |
| Realized $176 |
