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RIC V Carausius 983

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC V Carausius 983. Denomination: Antoninianus. Authority: Carausius. Mint: Uncertain value. 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 salus, draped, standing left, holding sceptre and feeding snake rising from altar; sometimes holding patera, with the legend SALVS 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

He declared himself emperor in Britain and northern Gaul, ruling the Imperium Britanniarum and styling himself "Emperor of the North". He held power for seven years before being assassinated around 293 by his finance minister Allectus.

This coin is an antoninianus, a denomination introduced in early 215 by Caracalla thought to be valued at two denarii. Originally silver, it was characterised by the emperor wearing a radiate crown to denote a double denomination, though usurpers and soldier emperors continually debased the issue to pay their troops. The obverse depicts Carausius with the title "IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG", while the reverse shows Salus standing left, holding a sceptre and feeding a snake rising from an altar, accompanied by the inscription "SALVS 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
Reverse
Salus, draped, standing left, holding sceptre and feeding snake rising from altar; sometimes holding patera
Obverse legend
IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend
SALVS AVG

Identification

Type reference
RIC V Carausius 983
Denomination and metal
Antoninianus, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG
Reverse legend to match
SALVS 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 398

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

  • RIC V Carausius 400

    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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