Antoninianus of Carausius
286–293 ・ billon ・ 3rd century ・ Londinium (London) and elsewhere
Carausius, the man who rose from command of the Channel fleet and claimed an 'empire' of his own over Britain and northern Gaul. This is his coinage: a bust in a radiate crown, with the legend IMP C CARAVSIVS. He used money to the full as an instrument of rule, and opened at Londinium — London — the first properly organised mint on record. A piece from the first age in which money was struck in London. The usurper lost to history, but the tie between London and minting begins here.