Discover my collection in 3D
Virtual Gallery
Marcus Aurelius Carus
"Defeated by Jupiter" In 282 CE, Probus was murdered by discontented soldiers. Marcus Aurelius Carus, an Illyrian prefect and praetorian commander, was proclaimed the new emperor. Carus defeated the Quadi and Sarmatians along the Danube, earning the title Germanicus Maximus. He appointed his eldest son, Marcus Aurelius Carinus, as Caesar and co-emperor of the western Roman Empire.
In 283 CE, Carus marched through Thrace and Anatolia into the Sasanian Persian Empire. He captured Ctesiphon, the capital of the Persian kingdom, and advanced with the Roman army beyond the Tigris, receiving the title Persicus Maximus. While still in Persia, Carus was struck dead by lightning.
Denomination: Antoninianus, Billon
Obverse: Radiate and cuirassed bust of Carus to right, IMP C M AVR CARVS P F AVG
Reverse: Carus standing to right, holding short scepter in his left hand, receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter standing to left, holding long scepter in his left hand, VIRTVS AVGG TR XXI
Mint: Tripolis, 283 A.D.
Weight: 2,50 g
Diameter: 22mm
Provenance: Bucephalus Numismatic
Reference : 61.1 RIC V 128
Collection : IMPERIUM ROMANUM 06 - Military Anarchy p.2