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Carausius antoninianus in name of Maximianus

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Luuk S:
Hi all

This week i acquired this interesting coin. On first glance it's an unremarkable antoninianus of Maximianus in OK shape. The obverse shows the cuirassed bust of Maximianus, and the reverse shows Pax, holding a brench and sceptre. So far nothing special, nothing rare. However, the reverse legend is what makes this coin special, as it reads 'PAX AVGGG', implying a rule of three Augusti.
However, as Diocletian only appointed Maximianus as co-emperor (286 AD) it should read 'PAX AVGG'.
This coins therefore can be attributed to the usurper Carausius, who rebelled in Britain around 286 AD. However, unlike many usurpers before him, he didn't aspire to become sole ruler of the whole empire. This coin is a testimony of his attempt to legitamize himself as ruler of Brittain (and part of Gaul), by acknowledging Diocletian and Maximianus as legitimate co-emperors. Unsurprisingly, Maximianus (as western augustus) was not amused and didn't recognize him as co-emperor. Ultimately, Carausius was killed by his minister of finance Allectus, who was defeated by Constantius I in 296 AD, ending the revolt in Britain.
As these coins are quite rare, i'm glad i could get my hands on one of them, it is a nice addition to my collection :-)

Gr Luuk

Obverse: IMP C MAXIMIANVS PF AVG
Reverse: PAX AVGGG, S-P across fields
Mintmark: C (Camulodunum)
Struck: 286-293 AD
Weight: 4.29 gr
Axis: 0600h
Literature: RIC VII, 42

SC:
Beautiful coin and in nice condition for the "C" mint.

SC

Ron C2:
The obverse portrait style here is FAR better than the vast majority of Carausius types, in my opinion.  Very nice coin.

Zenon M:
A very nice coin!
Some time ago I also was able to get one of those.
ZM

Meepzorp:
Hi Luuk,

Nice coin! :)

Meepzorp

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