Despite its size and economic importance, a Roman mint was not established in Carthage until about 296. The mint was established to support the military campaigns of Maximianus, who arrived in Carthage to suppress the persistant revolts of the local Berber tribes.

The coinage themes reflect these circumstances: while coins were struck in the names of all the imperial tetrarchs, Carthage was the only mint that did not strike the ubiquitous GENIO POPVLI ROMANI type. Instead, the first coins commemorated FELIX ADVENT AVGG ("The happy arrival of our emperors") on Maximianus' arrival, with a distinctly African reverse. After the campaigns' successful conclusion, the reverse type shifted to a personification of Carthage, with the legend SALVIS AVG ET CAESS FEL KART — "With our emperors and caesars being safe, Carthage is happy."

When Maxentius revolted, the city of Carthage showed its support early, reflecting the popularity of his father, Maximianus. Carthage is the only mint that struck coins of Maxentius as Caesar, indicating his early control of the mint. Maxentius closed the mint in 307 and moved its workers and facilities to Ostia.

In 308 Domitius Alexander, one his generals in Carthage, revolted and took control of the city and declared himself Augustus. He reopened the mint and struck coins in his name, but these are now quite rare (and expensive...). The coins are all of very crude design and workmanship, reflecting the use of inexperienced local workers in the absence of the regular mint personnel who were now in Ostia. Maxentius did not reopen the mint when he reconquered Carthage, nor did Constantine after his victory over Maxentius. It wasn't until the Vandals conquered Africa a century later that Carthage struck coins again.

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