Four Seasons Antoninianus

CNG 100, Lot: 1954. Estimate $2000. Sold for $4650. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Carausius. Romano-British Emperor, AD 286-293. Antoninianus (23mm, 4.37 g, 6h). Uncertain British mint. Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / TEMPORVM FELICITAS, the Four Seasons at play. RIC V 1016. VF, dark green, almost black, patina. Very rare.

This charming reverse depicts Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter in the guise of young boys at play, with each season bearing some symbol of its gift to mankind. Although a common motif in Roman sculpture and painting, its appearance on coinage is rare, recurring from time to time on issues from the 2nd century until the Tetrarchic period. The reverse legend proclaims “the happiness of the times” (temporum felicitas), presumably intended as a reference to the improved state of affairs in Britain since Carausius’ seizure of power from the corrupt and inefficient central government.