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Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Carausius 56

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Carausius 56. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Carausius. Mint: Londinium. The obverse shows bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG. The reverse shows ram, standing right, with the legend LEG MI or LEG MIN.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
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 imperial power in 286 during the Carausian Revolt. He declared himself emperor in Britain and northern Gaul, establishing the Imperium Britanniarum and styling himself "Emperor of the North". His regime lasted for seven years before he was assassinated by his finance minister, Allectus, in around 293.

Struck at Londinium, this coin is an antoninianus, a denomination introduced in 215 by Caracalla and valued at two denarii. Throughout the third century, usurpers and soldier emperors required coin to pay their troops and secure their loyalty. The obverse depicts Carausius wearing a radiate crown, which indicated the double denomination, along with the title "IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG". The reverse displays a ram accompanied by the legend "LEG MI or LEG MIN".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Londinium
Authority
Carausius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Ram, standing right
Obverse legend
IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
LEG MI or LEG MIN

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Carausius 56
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
LEG MI or LEG MIN
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

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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