RIC I (second edition) Otho 19
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC I (second edition) Otho 19. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Otho. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Otho, bare, right, with the legend IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P. The reverse shows aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and sceptre or rod in left, with the legend PONT MAX.
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
Otho served as Roman emperor for three months, from 15 January to 16 April 69, during the Year of the Four Emperors. Formerly governor of Lusitania, he joined Galba's revolt in 68, accompanied him to Rome, and then revolted and murdered him to take power. Otho's brief rule ended when he committed suicide following his army's defeat at the Battle of Bedriacum against the forces of Vitellius.
Struck at the Rome mint, this silver coin belongs to the denomination that served as the standard Roman silver coin from its introduction around 211 BC until the reign of Gordian III. The obverse presents Otho with the legend IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, while the reverse depicts Aequitas holding scales alongside a sceptre or rod, accompanied by the inscription PONT MAX.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Denomination
- Denarius
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Otho
Design
- Obverse
- Head of Otho, bare, right
- Reverse
- Aequitas, draped, standing left, holding scales in right hand and sceptre or rod in left
- Obverse legend
- IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P
- Reverse legend
- PONT MAX
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC I (second edition) Otho 19
- Denomination and metal
- Denarius, Silver
- Obverse legend to match
- IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P
- Reverse legend to match
- PONT MAX
- 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
- RIC / OCREric.1(2).ot.19
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.