Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC V Carausius 783

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Carausius 783. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Carausius. Mint: Uncertain value. The obverse shows bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, or bust of Carausius, radiate, cuirassed, right, with the legend IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG.

The reverse shows fides, draped, standing left, holding two ensigns, with the legend FIDE MIL or FIDE MILIT or FIDE MILIVM or FIDE MILITVM or FIDEM MIL or FIDEM MILIT or FIDEM MILIVM or FIDEM MILITVM or FIDES MIL or FIDES MILIT or FIDES MILIVM or FIDES MILITVM.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
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 Roman military commander from Belgic Gaul who usurped power in 286 during the Carausian Revolt. Establishing an independent realm across Britain and northern Gaul, he claimed imperial status as the "Emperor of the North". His breakaway rule persisted for seven years until his assassination around 293 by his finance minister, Allectus.

This silver antoninianus represents a denomination introduced in 215 by Caracalla, thought to have been valued at two denarii and identifiable by the radiate crown worn by the emperor. In the third century, emperors and usurpers required vast quantities of coin to pay their troops and secure their loyalty. The reverse motif depicts Fides holding two ensigns alongside legends such as "FIDE MILITVM" or "FIDES MILITVM", invoking military fidelity, while the obverse presents the usurper with the imperial title "IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Antoninianus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Uncertain value
Authority
Carausius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, or bust of Carausius, radiate, cuirassed, right
Reverse
Fides, draped, standing left, holding two ensigns
Obverse legend
IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
FIDE MIL or FIDE MILIT or FIDE MILIVM or FIDE MILITVM or FIDEM MIL or FIDEM MILIT or FIDEM MILIVM or FIDEM MILITVM or FIDES MIL or FIDES MILIT or FIDES MILIVM or FIDES MILITVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Carausius 783
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
FIDE MIL or FIDE MILIT or FIDE MILIVM or FIDE MILITVM or FIDEM MIL or FIDEM MILIT or FIDEM MILIVM or FIDEM MILITVM or FIDES MIL or FIDES MILIT or FIDES MILIVM or FIDES MILITVM
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.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference