Ancient Rome 195-196AD Lugdunum Mint Clodius Albinus Silver Denarius Very Fine (VF20)

Ancient Rome 195-196AD Lugdunum Mint Clodius Albinus Silver Denarius Very Fine (VF20)

Decimus Clodius Albinus (c. 150–197 CE) was a Roman general and rival claimant to the imperial throne during the turbulent civil wars following the death of Pertinax. Initially allied with Septimius Severus, he was declared Caesar and recognized as Severus’s heir to secure support in the western provinces. However, their alliance quickly broke down, and Albinus declared himself emperor in 195 CE with the backing of Britain, Gaul, and Spain. The two rivals clashed at the Battle of Lugdunum in 197 CE, one of the largest battles of the Roman civil wars, where Albinus was decisively defeated. He committed suicide or was killed shortly after. Severus had his naked body laid out on the ground before him so he could ride his horse over it in a final act of humiliation. Initially, Severus pardoned Albinus' wife and children, but ultimately changed him mind and beheaded them. This left Severus as the uncontested ruler of the Roman Empire.

Obverse: Bare head of Clodius Albinus facing right, with the legend around.
Saeculum Frugiferum naked to his waist, standing facing left, holding a winged caduceus in his right hand and a fork or trident in his left.

Specifications:
Emperor: Clodius Albinus (193-197)
Composition: Silver
Weight: Approx. 3 g
Mint: Lugdunum, Gaul