AE Antoninianus 24mm. 3.70g. 'C' mint (Camulodunum?) in Britain. 292 A.D.

Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust, r.
IMP C DIOCLETIANVS P AVG

Virtus-Mars standing r., holding spear and resting hand on shield set on ground to r.; S-P to either side; In ex.: C
VIRTVS AVGGG

RIC V 30 var. (bust)

Near EF. Extremely rare. Dark green patina. Fine style with good detail. Some light roughness and slight adhesions. Unlisted in RIC with this bust. This type was issued by Carausius during a short period circa 292 A.D. as part of his bid for legitimacy to rule alongside Diocletian and Maximian (hence the third G on the reverse).

An example with the same fine obverse die hammered at CNG in 2023 for $1900 plus fees. A rare opportunity for a specialist collector.

The 'C' mintmark on the issues of Diocletian and Maximian struck under Carausius has been assumed to refer to Camulodunum (now Colchester), but could have also been Cataractonium, Clausentum, or even Glevum (now Gloucester). Evidence for a specific mint is limited, for when his claim of rulership over the northern provinces was rejected by Rome, Carausius' lieutenant Allectus assassinated him, leaving this a rare and short-lived issue.