AE quinarius, Allectus, AD 293 - 296

   

The praetorian prefect Allectus, lieutenant of Carausius, seized power in Britain when he murdered the latter in AD 293. Three years later Constantius I and Asclepiodotus deposed Allectus - he was defeated and killed in battle.

During the later part of his reign Allectus struck coins that were smaller in diameter than antoniniani and of lighter weight. The obverse retained the radiate bust shown on antoniniani. Because of the letter Q in the mint mark these coins are often referred to as 'quinarii'. Allectus' 'quinarii' have only one reverse type, a galley as displayed above. The reverse inscription shows either VIRTVS AVG (London mint) or LAETITIA AVG (from the 'C' mint - with a galley sailing left).

Obv. Allectus, radiate and cuirassed bust right, IMP. C. ALLECTVS P. F. AVG.
Rev. Galley, in exergue QC, LAETITIA AVG.


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