Carinus, as Caesar AD 282-283. Lugdunum (Lyon)
Antoninianus Æ

22 mm, 4,15 g

CARINVS NOBIL CAES, radiate draped and cuirassed bust right, holding sceptre over shoulder / SAECVLI FELICITAS, Carinus standing right with globe and spear, retrograde D in right field.

Extremely Fine

Cohen 115; RIC V-2, 152; Sear 12305.

Carinus was born around AD 250 and was the elder son of Emperor Carus. In AD 283, Carus elevated Carinus to the rank of Caesar, making him the co-ruler of the western provinces of the Roman Empire. Carinus took charge of the regions of Gaul and Britannia. During his time as Caesar, Carinus faced military challenges, particularly in repelling the invading Germanic tribes in Gaul. He successfully managed to defend the frontiers and secure the western territories. However, in AD 285, Carus died under mysterious circumstances during a campaign against the Sassanian Empire, and Carinus claimed the title of Augustus, becoming the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. Carinus' reign as Augustus was marred by tyranny and debauchery, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among his subjects. In the same year, he died at the Battle of the Margus.