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Antoninianus - Carausius PAX AVG
| Issuer | Britannic Empire (Roman splinter states) |
|---|---|
| Year | 286-293 |
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| Technique | Hammered |
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| Obverse description | Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust of the emperor Carausius facing right, rendered in the typical late Roman provincial style, with the characteristic radiate crown of the antoninianus denomination clearly visible above the head. The effigy displays detailed military dress including a cuirass and paludamentum fastened at the shoulder. The encircling Latin legend reads IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG, occupying the full circumference of the flan, though partially obscured by the coin's irregular edges and surface wear. The portrait exhibits the bold, somewhat coarse engraving characteristic of the British imperial mint's output under Carausius. |
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| Reverse description | The personification of Pax stands facing left in a graceful contrapposto pose, attired in flowing classical robes. In her extended right hand she holds an olive branch, symbol of peace and concord, while her left hand supports a long vertical sceptre. The field surrounding the figure is plain, with the abbreviated legend PAX AVG disposed in the exergual and field areas. A mint mark appears in the exergue, varying by emission, consistent with the multiple officina marks documented for this type. The reverse engraving, though characteristic of Carausian issues, reflects the decline in die-cutting quality typical of this insular Roman splinter coinage. |
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Carausius seized Britain and northwestern Gaul in 286, declaring himself Augustus and running what amounted to an independent Roman empire for seven years — the only successful usurpation to hold Britain as its primary base. His coinage program was remarkably sophisticated for a breakaway state, deliberately mimicking legitimate imperial production to assert parity with Diocletian and Maximian, whom he cheekily claimed as co-rulers without their consent.
RIC V.2 303 belongs to his Camulodunum mint output. Carausius was assassinated by his finance minister Allectus in 293, the same year Constantius Chlorus finally moved to retake the territory.