Catalog
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 69 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3 g |
| Diameter | 17.5 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC I#47 |
| Obverse description | Head of Vitellius, laureate, right; globe at point of neck |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
A VITELLIVS IMP GERMANICVS (Translation: Aulus Vitellius Imperator Germanicus Aulus Vitellius, supreme commander (Imperator) of the Germans.) |
| Reverse description | Clasped right hands |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
FIDES EXERCITVVM (Translation: Fides Exercituum Loyalty of the Army.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (69) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1008481380 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Struck in 69 AD, this silver denarius from Vitellius captures the tumult of the Year of the Four Emperors. Its reverse, FIDES EXERCITVVM (Loyalty of the Armies), was vital propaganda. Proclaimed emperor by the Rhine legions, Vitellius's brief reign depended entirely on military support. This coinage thus directly reflects the era's profound instability, civil war, and the army's decisive role in imperial succession during this tumultuous period.
Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, this denarius originates from the imperial mint in Rome. Stylistically, it blends late Julio-Claudian realism with emerging Flavian trends. The obverse presents a laureate bust of Vitellius, often with a fleshy, veristic quality. The reverse design, a military standard flanked by two legionary eagles, directly illustrates the FIDES EXERCITVVM legend, powerfully emphasizing the legions' allegiance through well-understood imperial iconography.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver (3g, 17.5mm), this denarius meets period specifications. Key high-points for grading include Vitellius's hair and laurel wreath on the obverse, and the military standard and eagles' plumage on the reverse. Desirable technical strike qualities encompass good centering, sharp strikes revealing full legends and facial features, and minimal die wear. Clarity is crucial for appreciating the coin's artistry and propaganda, often obscured by poor strikes or excessive wear.