Antoninianus - Diocletian struck under Carausius; PAX; Londinium
| Bronze | 4.34 g | 23 mm |
| Issuer | Britannic Empire (Roman splinter states) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Carausius (286-293) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 292-293 |
| Value | Antoninianus (3⁄50) |
| Currency | Antoninianus (286-296) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 4.34 g |
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#214375 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Pax (personification of peace) standing left holding olive branch and transverse sceptre
Script: Latin
Lettering: PAX AVGGG. S P
Translation: Pax Augusti (Peace of Augustus, 3 Gs to represent 3 emperors). Sacra Pecunia (sacred money)
Comment
Early in his reign, Carausius issued "PAX AVG" coins asserting his claim to be sole emperor. When that hope receded, he issued "PAX AVGGG" coins, the three Gs recognising three emperors, Carausius, Diocletian and Maximianus, hoping to be accepted as co-emperor. He wasn't.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was struck under the authority of Carausius, who was a Roman usurper who ruled over Britannia and parts of Gaul from 286 to 293 AD. This coin, bearing the image of Diocletian, was likely minted during a time of political upheaval and transition in the Roman Empire.
