Emperors of Rome. Vitellius 69 AD. April-December, 69 AD. AV-Aureus 7.28 g. Rome Mint
Obverse: A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P Laureate head right
Reverse: [L VI]TELLIVS COS III CENSOR Lucius Vitellius, togate, seated l. on curule chair, feet on stool, holding eagle-tipped scepter in l. hand and extending
References: BMC 23. RIC 95. CBN 54. Faces of Power 44. Calicó 565a (this coin). This coin illustrated in David R. Sear's, Roman Coins and Their Values: Vol. I (2236).
Provenance: Ex collection of a Spanish Gentleman, Numismatica Ars Classica 119 (in association with Jesus Vico), October 6, 2020, lot 23; Numismatic Fine Arts sale XXX, December 8, 1992, lot 227; Comte Du Chastel Collection, Rollin & Feuardent, May 27-29, 1889, lot 279 (there purchased for 190 francs).
Description: On January 1, 69 AD, the legions of the Rhine declined to extend their oath of loyalty to Galba, and instead proclaimed their commander Vitellius Emperor. By the time Vitellius descended on Italy with his forces, he was confronted not by Galba, but by Otho. Vitellius replaced Otho in the aftermath of Otho’s defeat in First Battle of Bedriacum (after which, Otho, somewhat prematurely, committed suicide). Vitellius was duly recognized by the Senate, though the legions of the East were already in open revolt in support of their commander Vespasian. Vitellius was known more for his extravagance, superstitiousness and ineffectuality than for his leadership, and it would not be long before he was defeated by forces loyal to Vespasian. Following his defeat at the Second Battle of Bedriacum, Vespasian’s forces marched onto Rome. Despite staunch resistance, largely from civilians, Vitellius was captured, and subsequently executed.
The present piece follows a numismatic tradition of the vast majority of Vitellius’ predecessors by paying homage to Vitellius’ distinguished father who was once censor, and thrice consul. A gifted courtier, Vitellius' father was a shrewd politician who managed to curry favor with Tiberius. Survive Caligula, and then return to importance under Claudius (during whose reign he likely died). While Vitellius had no claim to the throne besides the strength of the Rhine legions, he was careful to highlight his lineage and share in his father’s importance. The portrait of Vitellius on the present piece is of exceedingly fine style, and we have been unable to locate another surviving piece of Vitellius that was struck using this obverse die. While the mint has been identified as that of Rome, there is something about the quality of the hair, and the exaggerated features that is reminiscent of the provincial mints.
Reverse: [L VI]TELLIVS COS III CENSOR Lucius Vitellius, togate, seated l. on curule chair, feet on stool, holding eagle-tipped scepter in l. hand and extending
References: BMC 23. RIC 95. CBN 54. Faces of Power 44. Calicó 565a (this coin). This coin illustrated in David R. Sear's, Roman Coins and Their Values: Vol. I (2236).
Provenance: Ex collection of a Spanish Gentleman, Numismatica Ars Classica 119 (in association with Jesus Vico), October 6, 2020, lot 23; Numismatic Fine Arts sale XXX, December 8, 1992, lot 227; Comte Du Chastel Collection, Rollin & Feuardent, May 27-29, 1889, lot 279 (there purchased for 190 francs).
Description: On January 1, 69 AD, the legions of the Rhine declined to extend their oath of loyalty to Galba, and instead proclaimed their commander Vitellius Emperor. By the time Vitellius descended on Italy with his forces, he was confronted not by Galba, but by Otho. Vitellius replaced Otho in the aftermath of Otho’s defeat in First Battle of Bedriacum (after which, Otho, somewhat prematurely, committed suicide). Vitellius was duly recognized by the Senate, though the legions of the East were already in open revolt in support of their commander Vespasian. Vitellius was known more for his extravagance, superstitiousness and ineffectuality than for his leadership, and it would not be long before he was defeated by forces loyal to Vespasian. Following his defeat at the Second Battle of Bedriacum, Vespasian’s forces marched onto Rome. Despite staunch resistance, largely from civilians, Vitellius was captured, and subsequently executed.
The present piece follows a numismatic tradition of the vast majority of Vitellius’ predecessors by paying homage to Vitellius’ distinguished father who was once censor, and thrice consul. A gifted courtier, Vitellius' father was a shrewd politician who managed to curry favor with Tiberius. Survive Caligula, and then return to importance under Claudius (during whose reign he likely died). While Vitellius had no claim to the throne besides the strength of the Rhine legions, he was careful to highlight his lineage and share in his father’s importance. The portrait of Vitellius on the present piece is of exceedingly fine style, and we have been unable to locate another surviving piece of Vitellius that was struck using this obverse die. While the mint has been identified as that of Rome, there is something about the quality of the hair, and the exaggerated features that is reminiscent of the provincial mints.