2019-04-17 Wed

A bronze antoninianus coin of a Roman-Britannic emperor in Britain and northern Gaul named Allectus, struck during his reign between 293 and 296, was auctioned by Fritz Rudolf Kunker on 11th March in Osnabruck, Germany for €550 against an estimate of €200. Graded Extremely Fine by the auction house, the coin features a draped, radiate bust of Allectus. The reverse side features a vessel called Navis Lusoria, which is a type of ship that was invented in the 3rd Century.

Antoniniani coins were struck in silver and were worth two denars initially. They were gradually debased due to which the silver content was reduced over the years like the offered coin. The reverse side also depicts the letter Q and researchers believe that the denomination was also known as quinarius. The letter may also denote Quinquennalia, a sporting event held in Rome every five years that was planned for 298. Some of the objects made for the games featured a Navis Lusoria.

Navis Lusoria were thin and shallow ships that were used in military expeditions in those days. It was easy to navigate the ship and it could carry around 50 men, out of which 30 men rowed the ship. Allectus was a treasurer under Carausius before Carausius was killed. Many of his coins featured ships to signify his strength.

Image Courtesy: Fritz Rudolf Kunker