Carausius Antoninianus, Neptune reverse (RIC V 84)

Obverse

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

Catalog Reference

RIC V Carausius 84

Ruler

Carausius

Denomination

Antoninianus

Date

286 AD-293 AD

Mint

Londinium

Metal

Silver

Portrait Type

radiate

Obverse

IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG

Bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right

Reverse

LEG XXI VPLIA or LEG XXI VPLIA VI or LEG XXX VPLIA or LEG XXX VPLIA VI

Neptune, standing left, holding globe, anchor, or dolphin in right hand and trident in left hand

About This Type

This RIC V Carausius 84 is an antoninianus of Carausius (286 AD-293 AD), struck at the Londinium mint. The reverse depicts Neptune, standing left, holding globe, anchor, or dolphin in right hand and trident in left hand.

About the Antoninianus

The antoninianus (also called the radiate or double-denarius) was introduced by Caracalla in 215 AD. Identified by the radiate crown on the emperor's portrait, it was nominally worth two denarii. The denomination underwent severe debasement during the third-century crisis, becoming essentially bronze by the 260s.

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 Antoninianus coins

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIC V Carausius 84?: RIC V Carausius 84 is a Silver Antoninianus of Carausius (286 AD-293 AD) struck at the Londinium mint cataloged under RIC no. RIC V Carausius 84.
How do you identify RIC V Carausius 84?: The obverse depicts Bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right with the inscription IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG. The reverse depicts Neptune, standing left, holding globe, anchor, or dolphin in right hand and trident in left hand with the inscription LEG XXI VPLIA or LEG XXI VPLIA VI or LEG XXX VPLIA or LEG XXX VPLIA VI. Portrait type: radiate.