Diocletian. AD 284-305. Antoninianus (22.5mm, 3.97 g, 6h). 'C'

Diocletian. AD 284-305. Antoninianus (22.5mm, 3.97 g, 6h). 'C' mint. Struck under Carausius, circa AD 292. Radiate, cuirassed bust right / Four legionary signa, the second surmounted by manus (hand), the third surmounted by aquila (eagle), S P C in exergue. RIC V 17. Dark green patina, even roughness. VF. Extremely rare, none on CoinArchives.

From the Bellwether Collection.

This type was issued by Carausius during a brief episode circa AD 292 in which he sought, or claimed, legitimacy to rule alongside the Augusti Diocletian and Maximian. Another issue in this series depicted all three rulers together on the obverse. This overture was rejected by the continental rulers and Carausius was assassinated by his lieutenant Allectus the following year. This type, with the reverse of four military standards, is listed as Rarity 3 in the 1933 edition of Roman Imperial Coinage volume V part II; unlike many other issues it remains extremely rare today, with no other examples listed on CoinArchives.