Clodius Albinus, as Caesar, Denarius

Clodius Albinus as Caesar, Denarius, AR, AD 193–195, 2.01 g, 18 mm

Obverse: D CL SEPT ALBIN CAES; bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Clodius Albinus right. Reverse: COS II; Minerva standing left, holding spear and resting on shield. Struck at Rome, c. AD 193–195, on the standard denarius module for the issue. References: RIC IV Clodius Albinus 2. This denarius belongs to the brief period when Septimius Severus appointed Clodius Albinus as Caesar to secure western support after the upheaval of AD 193. The reverse legend COS II records Albinus’ second consulship in AD 194 and situates the issue within the official alliance before his break with Severus in AD 195–196 and subsequent defeat at Lugdunum in AD 197. Minted at Rome, it reflects Albinus’ status as junior colleague within the Severan regime.