Carausius, Romano-British Emperor, 286-293. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 2.33 g, 12 h), Londinium (?), 286-287. IMP CA[RAVSIV]S P F AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Carausius to right. Rev. MON[ET]A AVG Moneta standing front, head to left, holding scales in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left. BM R.3513. Cohen -. RIC 717. Extremely rare and interesting. Struck on a somewhat short and underweight flan, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.


Carausius, a commander of the classis britannica of Menapian origin, revolted against Diocletian and Maximian in 286 and consequently established an independent rule in Britain and Northwest Gaul. He quickly started minting the first true Roman silver coins in many decades, undoubtedly in an attempt to secure the loyalty of his troops. Our example, with Moneta on the reverse, celebrates this monetary reform.