Carausius, billon Antoninianus, London, 290-2 AD, Pax

Carausius (286 - 293 AD), billon Antoninianus, London 290-292 AD. IMP C CARAVSIVS P F AVG, radiate, draped and cuirassed bust to right, rev. PAX AVG, Pax standing to left, holding olive-branch and vertical sceptre; S in left field, P in right field, MLXXI in exergue, 4.47g 6h (RIC V.2 118). Good portrait, good very fine.

Carausius was a Roman naval commander who declared himself emperor in Britain in 286 AD, ruling until his assassination in 293 AD. He had originally been appointed by the emperor Maximian to deal with Saxon and Frankish pirates, but he was accused of keeping some of the captured treasure for himself. Fearing punishment, Carausius rebelled and established control over Britain, parts of northern Gaul and the English Channel. He presented himself as a legitimate emperor and issued his own coins, using Roman imperial titles and propaganda to strengthen his authority. Carausius also developed a powerful navy and strengthened Britain's defences against external threats. His reign was challenged when Constantius Chlorus invaded Gaul and began preparing to retake Britain. Carausius was eventually murdered by his treasurer, Allectus, in 293 AD, who then took control of Britain. Although his reign was short, Carausius was significant because he was the first Roman usurper to establish an independent imperial regime in Britain.

The obverse legend IMP C CARAVSIVS P F AVG translates to "Emperor Caesar Carausius, Pious and Fortunate, Augustus."

The reverse legend PAX AVG translates to "The Peace of Augustus."