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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Otho 16

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Otho 16. Denomination: Denarius. 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 left, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left, with the legend VICTORIA OTHONIS.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
4
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, making him the second emperor of the Year of the Four Emperors. After previously serving as governor of Lusitania and joining Galba's revolt, he overthrew Galba at Rome. His brief reign was consumed by conflict against Vitellius, commander of the army in Germania Inferior, culminating in Otho's defeat and suicide.

Struck at the Rome mint, this silver coin is a denarius, the standard Roman silver denomination originally introduced around 211 BC during the Second Punic War. The coin carries the obverse inscription "IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P", identifying Otho as emperor and holder of tribunician power. The reverse features a draped Victory carrying a wreath and palm, accompanied by the inscription "VICTORIA OTHONIS".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Otho

Design

Obverse
Head of Otho, bare, right
Reverse
Victory, draped, advancing left, 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 16
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
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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