R969 - The 'Romano-British
Empire', Carausius
(A.D.287-293) Legionary type for Legio II Parthica, Bronze Antoninianus,
5.25g., London mint, draped radiate bust
right, IMP [C] CARAVSIVS P F AVG, rev., [LEG II P]ARTH, a
male centaur walking left, holding a long palm, [M]L mintmark in exergue (RIC
61 or 62, R2),
weakly struck in parts otherwise extremely fine, chocolate brown patina.
$595
From other sources we know
that Legio II Parthica, founded in A.D. 197 by Septimius Severus for his
Parthian campaign, was stationed at Rome and also at Alba Pompeia (modern
Alba, Piedmont, Italy). The Carausian reference to this legion most probably
refers to a vexillation or detachment of the main force that was under the
command of Carausius in Gaul when he revolted against the Central Empire.
The symbol of this legion was a Centaur.
