M. Aurelius Mausaeus Carausius was appointed by Maximian as fleet commander against the Saxon pirates, however, when Carausius allegedly retained booty for himself, rumours of disciplinary action led to his rebellion. Carausius established an independent empire in Britain and successfully withstood invasion from the central empire in AD 289. He also regained control of the area of Boulogne in northern Gaul. In AD 293 Constantius Chlorus conquered Boulogne and Carausius was assassinated. His lieutenant Allectus replaced him.

The antoninianus above was struck early in Carausius' reign, after AD 291 the obverse legend included a C in the titelature (IMP C). The reverse displays Pax holding a branch and a sceptre - by far the most common reverse type during the reign of Carausius.

Obv. Carausius radiate and draped bust right, IMP. CARAVSIVS. P. F. AVG.
Rev. Pax holding a branch and transverse sceptre, PAX AVG.