Watch List notes:

Carus. 282-283 AD. Aureus, 4.59g (12h). Ticinum, 282 AD. Obv: IMP M AVR CARVS P F AVG Bust laureate, cuirassed right, seen from front, fold of cloak on left shoulder. Rx: SPES - PVBLICA Spes advancing left holding flower and raising robe. RIC 64 (R3). Calicó 4279. Cohen 76 (150 Fr.) var. Ex NAC 27, 12 May 2004, lot 489. Very rare: possibly only the second specimen recorded with obverse legend beginning IMP M not IMP C M. RIC 64 quotes this variant from the Caruso Sale, lot 486 = Galerie des Monnaies, October 1977, lot 471 = Calicó 4279, which is the only specimen in Berk photofile and CoinArchives Pro, and is from the same dies as our piece.