Carausius, Antoninianus, 286-287
Rouen - Unique - Billon - AU(50-53)
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Bust of Carausius, radiate and cuirassed right, seen from front.
Providentia standing left, holding branch or flower in her right hand and transverse scepter in left hand.
A rare Antoninianus with a unique die combination. According to RIC V.5 by Sam Moorhead, published in 2025, the obverse die used is the same as that on the coin illustrating reference 366. It can be recognized by the position of the rays of the crown and the elements of Carausius' face in relation to the letters of the legend. Some of these letters - the P of IMP and the R and second A of CARAVSIVS - seem to merge with the grenetis. This obverse die, associated with the reverse LETITIA and depicting a galley, is used on two other examples; one preserved at the Museum of Rouen and the other, offered for sale by Roma at auction 13 on March 23, 2017 (lot 1072). The reverse die appears to be unique and is not listed in this work. The legend, PROVIDENTIA, and the iconography are known separately. The goddess and her attributes are listed for 12 types (RIC V.5 396-401, 404 and 405, 408 to 410 and 1499), while the legend is present for only three types (RIC V.5 402, 403 and 2523). On our specimen, the last A has been partially erased, but can still be seen. In the exergue, the OPR legend, sometimes interpreted as OPA, is present only on galley coins (types RIC V.5 349 and 376) and Mars coins (types RIC V.5 491-492). An example featuring the god of war was sold by Classical Numismatic Group on December 4, 2019 (lot 448). The reverse die is therefore a unique combination of several known dies. Beyond this unrecorded combination, its association with this obverse die makes it a unique specimen. The iconography and legends of Carausius' coinage, particularly that of Rouen, are strongly inspired by coins minted during the Gallic Empire (260-274), while the style and flan are reminiscent of Tetrarchic coinage. Carausius, the usurper who reigned in Brittany (modern-day Britain) and northern Gaul, had coins minted there at the beginning of his reign, between 286 and 287. The letters OPR identify the town, which was called Rotomagus. Born in Belgian Gaul to the Menapian tribe, Carausius commanded the “Classis Britannica”, one of whose main ports was Boulogne-sur-Mer. In 286, he was commissioned by Emperor Maximian to repel Frankish and Saxon sea invasions in Armorica and northern Gaul. Accused of letting the pirates carry on and keeping the spoils for himself, he was condemned to death. He then chose to declare himself emperor, remaining in the region and later in Brittany. Depicted in armor, his portrait testifies to the many battles he waged, particularly in Brittany and on the sea. He remained in power until 293, having repelled Maximian, but under pressure from Constantius Chlorus, who was gradually reconquering Gaul and Boulogne-sur-Mer, he was assassinated and replaced by Allectus, then in charge of his “imperial fiscus” (funds).
IMP C CARAVSIVS AIG
PROVI-DENTIA // OPR
3.87 gr
An “AU(50-53)” quality
As in numismatics, it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
About Uncirculated(50-53)
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins displays sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. The number (50-53) indicates that at least half of the original luster remains. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
You might be wondering why there are different ranges of numbers behind the same abbreviation. Well, we’ll explain:
The numbers are subdivisions within a category, showing that the state of conversation is the same but coins may be at the higher or lower end of the scale. In the case of AU, the range (55-58) indicates that the luster is better preserved in than a similar coin described as (50-53).
