Antoninianus - Carausius PAX; Londinium
| Bronze | 3.7 g | 24 mm |
| Issuer | Britannic Empire (Roman splinter states) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Carausius (286-293) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 286-290 |
| Value | Antoninianus (3⁄50) |
| Currency | Antoninianus (286-296) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 3.7 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#212827 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Pax standing left, holding olive branch and vertical scepter. Letters in fields. Mintmark in exergue
Script: Latin
Lettering: PAX AVG
Translation: Pax Augusti (Dedicated to the Peace provided by the Emperor)
Comment
Early in his reign, Carausius issued "PAX AVG" coins in his own name, asserting his claim to be sole emperor. When that hope faded, he issued "PAX AVGGG" coins, the three Gs recognising three emperors, Carausius, Diocletian and Maximianus, hoping to be accepted as co-emperorInteresting fact
One interesting fact about the Antoninianus coin is that it was issued by Carausius, a Roman usurper who ruled Britain and parts of Gaul from 286 to 290 AD. He was the first Roman emperor to mint coins in Britain, and the Antoninianus was one of the coins he issued during his reign. Despite being a usurper, Carausius' coins were well-made and are highly sought after by collectors today.
