Carinus caesar, 282 – 283
Aureus, Siscia circa 282, AV 4.60 g. M AVR CARINVS NOB CAES Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust l., holding a transverse spear and shield with horseman-enemy motif. Rev. MARS V – LTOR Mars advancing r., holding spear and shield. C 50. RIC 188. Calicò 4349 (this coin).
Very rare and possibly the finest specimen in private hands. A spectacular and finely
detailed portrait of excellent style. Virtually as struck and almost Fdc

Ex NAC sale 25, 2003, 570.

Carinus is, perhaps, one of the underrated evil-doers of the Roman Empire. If the words of the historian Eutropius are of any value, this emperor's reputation was terrible: "He put to death very many innocent men on false charges, seduced the wives of nobles and even ruined those of his school fellows who had taunted him at school, even with trivial banter." (Breviarium IX.19). The histories are persistent about his seemingly insatiable desire for women. The Historia Augusta reports that he was married and divorced nine times, and that he abandoned some of his wives while they were pregnant. We must, of course temper our view, as it is a fact that history is written by the victor. Considering Carinus was overthrown by Diocletian, who subsequently ruled with unquestioned supremacy for two decades, we might suspect that Carinus was unfairly maligned to add greater justification for the revolt of Diocletian who, after all, was little more than just another usurper when his army hailed him emperor against the legitimate emperor Carinus.

Graded Gem MS Strike 5/5 Surface 5/5, NCG certification number 6157262-004