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RIC V Carausius 346

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Carausius 346. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Carausius. Mint: Camulodunum. The obverse shows bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP C CARAVSIVS P AVG.

The reverse shows providentia, draped, standing left, holding baton in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; at foot, globe, with the legend PROVID AVG.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
5
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Carausius was a Menapian military commander from Belgic Gaul who usurped power in 286 during the Carausian Revolt. Declaring himself emperor in Britain and northern Gaul, he fashioned the title "Emperor of the North" for himself and ruled for seven years until his assassination around 293 by his finance minister Allectus. This coinage was produced under his authority at the mint of Camulodunum.

The antoninianus was a denomination introduced by Caracalla in early 215, thought to have been valued at two denarii. Originating as a double denomination indicated by the ruler wearing a radiate crown, the coin suffered progressive debasement as soldier emperors and usurpers required currency to pay troops and secure their loyalty. Struck in silver, this piece carries the obverse legend "IMP C CARAVSIVS P AVG" and pairs Carausius' radiate portrait with a reverse depicting Providentia and the legend "PROVID AVG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Camulodunum
Authority
Carausius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Providentia, draped, standing left, holding baton in right hand and cornucopiae in left hand; at foot, globe
Obverse legend
IMP C CARAVSIVS P AVG
Reverse legend
PROVID AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Carausius 346
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP C CARAVSIVS P AVG
Reverse legend to match
PROVID AVG
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC V Carausius 499

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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