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Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Clodius Albinus 52A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Clodius Albinus 52A. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Clodius Albinus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Clodius Albinus, bare, right, with the legend D CL SEPT ALBIN CAES.

The reverse shows felicitas, draped, standing left, holding caduceus in right hand and sceptre in left hand, with the legend FELICITAS COS II S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Clodius Albinus was proclaimed Roman emperor by the legions in Britain and Hispania following the murder of Pertinax in 193, during the Year of the Five Emperors. Between 193 and 197, he acted as an imperial pretender. Initially, he cooperated with another contender, Septimius Severus, but this alliance collapsed into civil war in 196, leading to Albinus's death in battle in 197.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze sestertius belongs to the imperial coinage system, where the sestertius served commerce with a value of two and a half asses, or one quarter of a denarius. The obverse presents Albinus with the title "CAES" in the legend "D CL SEPT ALBIN CAES". The reverse portrays Felicitas holding a caduceus and sceptre, accompanied by the inscription "FELICITAS COS II S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Clodius Albinus

Design

Obverse
Head of Clodius Albinus, bare, right
Reverse
Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding caduceus in right hand and sceptre in left hand
Obverse legend
D CL SEPT ALBIN CAES
Reverse legend
FELICITAS COS II S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Clodius Albinus 52A
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
D CL SEPT ALBIN CAES
Reverse legend to match
FELICITAS COS II S C
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC IV Clodius Albinus 52C

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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