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It was only during late 3rd century AD that Rome finally emerged from the specter of nearly constant crisis. By the reign of Augustus Probus and his chosen Praetorian Prefect, Marcus Aurelius Carus (224? – 283 AD), Rome had not only recovered, but was even experiencing a resurgence. Even so, recent history repeatedly proved that wearing purple was hazardous, and Carus might have experienced a nervous déjà vu when the Raetian and Noricum legions hailed him as Emperor. Naturally, Probus took exception, and sent some of his own legions to the scene; however, they decided to support Carus instead. By this time, Probus’ troops wearied of their leader’s strict discipline and laborious domestic projects. The Empire was not ready to shake off its bad habits, and Probus was murdered by his disaffected troops.
It is unclear whether Carus returned to Rome seeking Senate approval. More a military man than politician, Carus launched his imperial career aggressively, soon declaring his sons Carinus and Numerian as his Caesars. The imperial clan divided protection of the Empire according to territorial borders: Carinus ruled in the west, and Carus and Numerian focused eastward. The latter duo pacified barbarian tribes in Pannonia (notably the Quadi and the Sarmatians), and then prepared for an invasion into Persian lands.
The Persian campaign was a huge success, including the capture of Seleucia and the capital city of Ctesiphon with little opposition. Carus had accomplished what former Emperors Probus and even Aurelian had not (although to be fair, they were executed before they had a chance to execute their well-laid plans). Carus planned to continue on, marching deeper into Sasanian territory, with dreams of claiming even further glory and plunder for the Roman Empire.
As it turned out, Carus fell short of achieving Rome’s further glory. He mysterious died in 283 AD along the riverbanks of the Tigris. At the time, a violent Persian thunderstorm raged, and the official report stated the Emperor suffered a lightning strike. Although such an end befits the indomitable Carus, alternate theories cite treachery, disease, or complications from a battle wound.
After Carus died he was succeeded by his sons Carinus and Numerian, who struck this coin in their father's memory. Remarkably, this coin has survived in a mint state of preservation, and its fine detail and eye appeal have earned NGC Ancients' prestigious Star designation. The obverse features Carus wearing his radiate crown accompanied by the inscription DIVO CARO PARTHICO. The reverse of the coin depicts a lighted alter encircled by the inscription CONSECRATIO AVG. In this fashion, the current coin advertises not only Carus' military victories in Parthian lands, but also an upgrade to the status of a god following his apotheosis.
While this coin stands as a testament to greatness, Carus' brief reign makes it difficult to accurately credit his role in Rome’s resurgence. Considering his military success and purported demise, it can be at least stated that he went out with a bang.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Divus Carus, 282-283 AD, BI Aurelianianus (21mm, 4.13 g, 12h), Consecration issue. Siscia mint. 6th emission of Carinus, AD 284, NGC Grade: MS★, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Obverse: Radiate head right, DIVO CARO PARTHICO, Reverse: Radiate head right, Reverse: Lighted altar, CONSECRATIO AVG, A to right, SMSXXI in exergue, References: RIC V 111 var. (mintmark of 110); Pink VI/2, p. 48.
Image: NGC Photo Vision Plus.