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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Otho 13

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Otho 13. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Otho. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Otho, bare, right, with the legend IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P. The reverse shows victory, draped, advancing right, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left, with the legend VICTORIA OTHONIS.

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

Marcus Salvius Otho ruled as Roman emperor for three months, from 15 January to 16 April 69, during the Year of the Four Emperors. Having marched to Rome with Galba, he revolted and murdered him to take power. Otho immediately faced the rebellion of Vitellius, commander of the army in Germania Inferior, and ruled briefly before committing suicide following the Battle of Bedriacum.

Struck at the Rome mint, this gold aureus represented the primary gold denomination of the Roman Empire, which was originally valued at twenty-five silver denarii. The coinage of Otho's short reign bore his imperial titles with the obverse inscription "IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P". The reverse depicts Victory holding a wreath and palm, accompanied by the legend "VICTORIA OTHONIS".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Otho

Design

Obverse
Head of Otho, bare, right
Reverse
Victory, draped, advancing right, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left
Obverse legend
IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P
Reverse legend
VICTORIA OTHONIS

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Otho 13
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P
Reverse legend to match
VICTORIA OTHONIS
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

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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