Carinus AD 283-285. Rome
Antoninianus Æ

21 mm, 3,72 g

IMP CARINVS P F AVG, radiate and cuirassed bust to right / PIETAS AVG/ KA crescent Δ, Mercury standing to left, holding purse and caduceus.

Good Very Fine

RIC 264.

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.