TWO extremely rare Roman coins found near Westbury have sold at auction for a total of £22,000.

The coins were found by a metal detectorist in 2023 and were sold at the Stanley Gibbons Baldwins auction house in The Strand, London.

The two denarii were minted by the Emperor Carrausius who took over Britain in AD286 and ruled until AD293.

Dominic Chorney, Head of Ancient Coins at Baldwin’s said: “What was really interesting about his reign was that silver coins hadn't circulated in the Roman Empire for decades, and he made an effort to mint virtually pure silver coins as soon as he became emperor in Britain and part of Northern France.

“Most of what we know about Carrausius comes from his coinage, which was extensive.

He used it to try to legitimise himself in the eyes of his soldiers and the population of Britain.

“He has a very distinctive portrait, a thick neck and fierce-looking face, and this was an attempt to make him look like he was ready for anything, I think.

“Silver coins of Carrausius are very rare.

“Because of their rarity, these coins can command very high prices.”

The reverse of the coins featured Fides Miletum who represented faith in the army and Uberitas, a goddess who personified plenty.

The coin showing Carausius holding a globe, was sold for £16,000.

Its estimate was between £8,000 to £10,000.

The other coin, featuring a bust of Carausius, which was expected to fetch between £5,000 and £7,000, sold for £6,000.

The first coin is one of only two specimens and is believed to be the only one available for sale.

The other is one of only three known examples.

Carausius was eventually assassinated.