The fleet of Allectus the Usurper.

The fleet of Allectus the Usurper. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: E9222-2

Description: A classical coin showing a galley from the fleet of Allectus the Usurper. On the obverse side of the coin is a bust of Allectus. The coin includes the legend: 'IMP. C[AESAR] ALLECTVS P[IVS] F[ELIX] AUG[VSTVS]'. On the reverse is a ten-oared galley with mast with the legend: 'VIRTVS AUG[VSTI]'. The inscription below reads 'Q.L.' (A London mint mark). The main weapon of a war galley was a ram, a pointed piece of wood fixed to the bow of the ship. The ram was crashed into the side of the enemy ship at the fastest possible speed. The ships also carried archers and men with spears.

Creator: Unknown

Date: c.AD275

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London