Carausius, a Roman military commander in northern Gaul, revolted in either 286 or 287 AD faced with almost certain death for treason. He was accused of keeping captured treasure for his troops rather than sending it to the imperial exchequer. This charge is very similar to the one that was put before Postumus nearly thirty years before and may represent a standard accusation levied against successful popular commanders.
Carausius fled to Britain where he established a rebel regime based upon the Roman template and successfully defended his rule until 293 AD, when he was murdered, probably on the instigation of the man who succeeded him, Allectus.
Allectus maintained the seperatist regime in Britain until 296 when he was defeated by the forces of Constantius I.
Carausius established mints in Rouen, London and a location beginning with C and struck a prolific coinage, albeit of somewhat suspect quality at times.
These pages are to serve as an introduction to the period.
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Inscriptions: Carausius lies under these stones Gold: |
Sources: Laureates: An obverse die link to RSR and unmarked denarii Normanby hoard laureate die links Lead seals: Miscellany: |
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Radiates: Jugate Carausius and Sol obverses A BM die duplicate helmeted Virtus reverse coin |
Medallions: The owner of the Arras hoard, perhaps? Bibliography and publication notes: Bibliography of Carausius and Allectus Review: S Elliott "Roman Britain's Pirate King" A ghostly apparition of Carausius Tracing the coins from Kennedy's plate Romano-British coins in the Thesaurus of Oiselius My coin galleries on FORVM: |
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For sale: Coins of Carausius, Allectus and Gallic Empire for sale
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Updated 3 April 2024