66 BRITISH AND ROMANO-BRITISH COINS. 



and in weight since the days of Caracalla, came to an end under 

 Gallienus, A.D. 253, and that thenceforward the yellow metal 

 known as orichalcum was no longer used at the mint. The 

 second and third-brass, still so called for convenience, were 

 struck in copper as before, but with smaller diameters, while the 

 silver denarius had further degenerated into a piece of copper 

 washed over with a solution of tin ; in a word, general confusion 

 prevailed as the empire waned. The familiar S.C., the sign 

 of Senatorial approval, disappears under Aurelian, and after 

 Diocletian's period we also miss the chronological details as to 

 honours, which alone enabled us to fix the dates of many of the 

 earlier coins ; it is, however, fair to state that the last-named 

 Emperor made efforts to restore the fineness of the higher metals 

 used in his coinage. 



CARAUSIUS, A.D. 287 TO 293. 



Third-brass. 



9. O. IMP. CARAVSIVS. P.F. AVG. Radiate bust to right, 



wearing paludamentum and cuirass. 

 R. COMES. AVG. Victory standing to left; wreath in 



right hand and palm branch in left. 



This reverse may be intended to suggest a friendship with 

 Diocletian. 



10. O. IMP. C. CARAVSIVS. P.F. AVG. Radiate bust as last. 

 R. LAELTITIA] AVG. In field S.C. Female figure 



holding anchor and wreath. (D.C.M.) 



n. O. IMP. CARAVSIVS. P.F. AVG. Radiate bust as last. 

 R. LE [G. II. AVG] In ex ML. Capricorn, or sea goat, 



to left. (D.C.M.) ML = Moneta Londinii. 

 A very uncommon type ; the Capricorn was the badge of the 

 second legion, at that time quartered in the island. Doubtless it 

 was politic thus to honour them. 



12. O. IMP. CARAVSIVS. P.F. AVG. Radiate bust as last. 

 R. MONE[TA. A]VG. In ex : C. Juno, the divinity of 

 the mint, with balance and cornucopia. C = 

 Colchester. (D.C.M.) 



