Code: 13085
This is a scarce ancient Roman Æ Antoninianus of the British Emperor Carausius, minted in London between 287 - 293 AD.
Obverse: IMP CARAVSIVS P F AVG "Supreme Commander, Carausius, dutiful, fortunate, emperor" draped, and cuirassed bust right
Reverse: HILARITAS AVG "Joy of the Emperor" Hilaritas standing left, long palm frond in right hand, cornucopia in left hand. Hilaritas, the personification of rejoicing, is usually depicted as a matron, standing with a cornucopia in her left hand and a long palm frond on the ground in her right. Green branches were a sign of gladness and for special occasions, both public and private, it was the custom in ancient times to ornament streets, temples, gates, houses, and even entire cities, with branches and leaves of trees. This tradition carries on today in the form of wreaths and Christmas trees.
This is an irregular Antoniniani without a clear mm, most are attributed to London or Colchester but I cannot be certain. It is an ancient coin and was found with a metal detector.
CULTURE: ROMAN Britannic Empire (Roman splinter states)
DENOMINATION: Antoninianus
MATERIAL: AE Bronze
DATE: 287 - 293 AD (this coin was minted between 289 - 290 AD)
MINTMARK:
SIZE: 23mm dia
WEIGHT: 2.93 grams
ATTRIBUTION: RIC V-2 41, RCV 13596
PROVENANCE: Formerly in a private collection in Preston, Lancashire.
