Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.92 g, 5h). Uncertain mint. Good VF.

Triton XXVII
Lot: 891. Estimated: $ 3 000

Roman Imperial, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 9 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.92 g, 5h). Uncertain mint. IMP CARAVSIVS P F AV, laureate and draped bust right / FID ES MILI, Fides, draped, standing left, holding a signum in each hand flanking; + +. RIC V.5 202 (forthcoming; this coin illustrated); RIC V – but cf. 564 (for reverse type) and 1074 (for mint mark); cf. Shiel 60 (for reverse type); RSC 63 (same). Toned with some light iridescence around devices, hairline flan crack, a couple minor metal flaws and marks. Good VF. Unique, only this coin noted in RIC V.5.

From the Dr. Malcolm Lyne Collection. Ex Freeman & Sear FPL 10 (Spring 2005), no. 127.

One of the astonishing innovations by the Romano-British usurper Carausius was the introduction of a new denarius coin struck in good silver, the first such issue in close to half a century. Indeed, the new coin was struck on the old Augustan standard of purity and weight, though the latter tended to fluctuate. The silver bullion was likely provided by some of the treasure seized from looters and pirates by Carausius during his turn as commander of the Roman Fleet of Britain (Classis Britannica), which he used to finance his grab for the throne. The propaganda move enhanced his legitimacy and forced Diocletian and Maximian to issue their own silver coin, the argenteus.

The final winners of all Triton XXVII lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 9-10 January 2024.

Triton XXVII – Session Three – Lot 648–983 will be held Wednesday morning, 10 January 2024 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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