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 | 3.4 g |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC I#60, OCRE#ric.1(2).vit.60 |
| Obverse description | Head of Vitellius, laureate, right; globe at point of neck |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN (Translation: Aulus Vitellius Imperator Germanicus Aulus Vitellius, supreme commander (Imperator) of the Germans.) |
| Reverse description | Vesta, veiled and draped, seated left on throne, holding patera in right hand and holding up torch in left |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
VESTA P R QVIRITIVM (Translation: Vesta Pro Quiritum Vesta for (supporting, favoring) the citizens.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (69) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1011027630 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Denarius, issued in 69 AD, reflects the tumultuous "Year of the Four Emperors" following Nero's death. Vitellius, proclaimed emperor by Germanic legions, reigned briefly for eight months after defeating Otho. His rule was marked by conflict and a desperate struggle for legitimacy. The coin's traditional Roman religious iconography, particularly the Vesta reverse, served as propaganda, projecting stability and adherence to ancient values amidst political and military upheaval.
Artistry: The coin exemplifies the Roman Imperial style of the mid-first century AD, likely from the Rome mint. The obverse typically features a laureate bust of Vitellius, rendered with realism. The reverse, inscribed VESTA P R