Carausius Aureus — RIC V Carausius 1

Obverse

Reverse

CNG, CC-BY-SA-2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Catalog Reference

RIC V Carausius 1

Ruler

Carausius

Denomination

Aureus

Date

286 AD-293 AD

Mint

Londinium

Metal

Gold

Portrait Type

laureate

Obverse

CARAVSIVS P F AVG

Bust of Carausius, laureate, cuirassed, right

Reverse

CONSERVAT AVG

Jupiter, standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and sceptre in left hand; at foot, eagle

About This Type

This RIC V Carausius 1 is an aureus of Carausius (286 AD-293 AD), struck at the Londinium mint. The reverse depicts Jupiter, standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and sceptre in left hand; at foot, eagle.

About the Aureus

The aureus was the principal Roman gold denomination, struck from the late Republic through the early fourth century. It typically weighs 7–8 grams and measures 19–21mm. Because gold does not corrode, aurei often survive in exceptional condition compared to silver and bronze issues of the same period.

About the Londinium Mint

The Londinium mint (modern London) operated intermittently from Carausius through the early fourth century. Its output was relatively small compared to continental mints, making London-mint coins scarcer.

All Carausius coins Londinium mint All Aureus coins

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIC V Carausius 1?: RIC V Carausius 1 is a Gold Aureus of Carausius (286 AD-293 AD) struck at the Londinium mint cataloged under RIC no. RIC V Carausius 1.
How do you identify RIC V Carausius 1?: The obverse depicts Bust of Carausius, laureate, cuirassed, right with the inscription CARAVSIVS P F AVG. The reverse depicts Jupiter, standing left, holding thunderbolt in right hand and sceptre in left hand; at foot, eagle with the inscription CONSERVAT AVG. Portrait type: laureate.