He fought with success against the Germanic Quadi tribes, but soon returned to Rome, where he celebrated the annual ludi Romani on a scale of unexampled magnificence.
After the death of his father Carus, the army in the east demanded to return to Europe, and his brother Numerian was forced to comply. During a halt at Chalcedon, Numerian was found dead. Diocletian, commander of the body-guards, claimed that Numerian had been assassinated, and he was proclaimed emperor by the soldiers.
Carinus and Diocletian met in battle, and during the battle Carinus was assassinated by a tribune whose wife he had seduced.

Reverse: FELICIT PVBLICA - Felicitas standing left, leaning on column and with legs crossed, holding caduceus
Die Orientation: 0 H
Weight: 0 g

Reverse: eagle standing between two standards, head right, holding wreath in beak; L B / *
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 7.73 g

Reverse: Nike right, holding wreath and palm?; ETOVC Γ
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 7.6 g
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Reverse: PRINCIPI IVVENTVT, Prince standing left, holding globe and spear.
Die Orientation: 0 H
Weight: 3.7 g
Mintmark KAE.
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Reverse: AEQVITAS AVG / Equity standing left, holding scales & cornucopia. Ex. KAυZ
Die Orientation: 0 H
Weight: 3.34 g
6th emission beginning 285. Mintmark not in RIC

Reverse: Mercury standing left, holding purse and caduceus; PIETAS AVG / KA crescent Δ
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.48 g

Reverse: PRINCIPI IVVENTVT, Prince standing left holding ensign and sceptre, ЄKB in ex.
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.64 g
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Reverse: VIRTVS AVGGG / Carinus standing right, holding sceptre, receiving Victory on globe from Carus standing left. Epsilon in lower centre. Mintmark XXI
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.7 g