Civilization: Roman Empire
Ruler: Carinus
Mint: Antioch
Year: 283 - 285 AD
Composition: Billon
Denomination: Antoninianus
Diameter: 21.3mm
Weight: 3.43g
Reference: RIC 206 Γ

Obverse
IMP C M AVR CARINVS NOB C, radiate and cuirassed bust right

Reverse
VIRTVS AVGG, Carinus standing right, holding sceptre and receiving Victory from Carus, standing left, holding sceptre; Γ in lower centre. Mintmark XXI

Carinus ruled as Roman emperor from 283 to 285 CE during a period of crisis and instability known as the Imperial Crisis of the 3rd century. The son of Emperor Carus, Carinus was appointed Caesar in 282 CE and later elevated to Augustus in 283 CE to govern the western provinces, while his father and brother, Numerian, campaigned in the East.

Carinus’s reign in the West is remembered for its short duration and controversy. Historical sources, often hostile, portray him as a corrupt and indulgent ruler, accusing him of neglecting his duties in favor of personal pleasures. He reportedly alienated the Senate and the military with his behavior, though these accounts may reflect bias from later sources sympathetic to his rival, Diocletian.

Despite this negative portrayal, Carinus achieved some military success. He defeated the Quadi and other Germanic tribes along the Danube frontier, securing the empire's northern borders. However, his reign faced a major challenge in 285 CE when Diocletian, proclaimed emperor by the eastern legions after the death of Numerian, marched west to confront him. The two armies clashed at the Battle of the Margus (modern-day Serbia). According to some accounts, Carinus initially had the upper hand but was betrayed and killed by his own officers, reportedly due to his unpopularity within the ranks.

Carinus’s death ended his brief and turbulent rule, paving the way for Diocletian to establish the Tetrarchy, which restored a degree of stability to the empire. His reign, though short, reflects the challenges of the late 3rd-century Roman state.