Carausius, Romano-British Emperor, 286-293. Antoninianus (Bronze, 18 mm, 2.65 g, 4 h), uncertain mint. [IM]P C CARA[VSIV]S P F AVG Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Carausius to right.
Rev. CONS[...] AV / RZR Neptune seated left, holding anchor in his right hand and trident (?) in his left; below, sea serpent (?) and dolphin left. RIC -, cf. 764-5. Webb -, cf. 853-3. Extremely rare and of great historical interest. Somewhat rough and with minor deposits
, otherwise, nearly very fine.
From the collection of Dr. Malcolm Lyne, Classical Numismatic Group E-Auction 574, 6 November 2024, 554, previously privately acquired from Spink on 2 November 2007.
For a usurper like Carausius, whose power originally rested on his command of the
classis Britannica, few coin types could be more fitting than this one, featuring the sea god Neptune. The attributes depicted - an anchor, a trident, a dolphin, and possibly a sea serpent - all symbolize Neptune’s dominion over the sea and, by extension, the emperor’s maritime power.
Control of the
Mare Britannicum was vital for Carausius, who ruled both Britain and parts of the neighboring Gallic mainland. It was not only crucial for defending against raiding barbarian pirates but even more so for maintaining supply lines and rapidly redeploying his forces across the English Channel in his struggle against the armies of Maximian and Constantius.
