Carausius Antoninianus, Laetitia reverse (RIC V 87)

Obverse

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

Catalog Reference

RIC V Carausius 87

Ruler

Carausius

Denomination

Antoninianus

Date

286 AD-293 AD

Mint

Londinium

Metal

Silver

Portrait Type

radiate

Obverse

IMP CARAVSIVS P AVG

Bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right

Reverse

LITIT AV

Laetitia, draped, standing left, holding olive-branch in right hand and sceptre in left hand

About This Type

This RIC V Carausius 87 is an antoninianus of Carausius (286 AD-293 AD), struck at the Londinium mint. The reverse depicts Laetitia, draped, standing left, holding olive-branch in right hand and sceptre 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 87?: RIC V Carausius 87 is a Silver Antoninianus of Carausius (286 AD-293 AD) struck at the Londinium mint cataloged under RIC no. RIC V Carausius 87.
How do you identify RIC V Carausius 87?: The obverse depicts Bust of Carausius, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right with the inscription IMP CARAVSIVS P AVG. The reverse depicts Laetitia, draped, standing left, holding olive-branch in right hand and sceptre in left hand with the inscription LITIT AV. Portrait type: radiate.