RIC I (second edition) Otho 20
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC I (second edition) Otho 20. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Otho. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Otho, bare, right, with the legend IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P. The reverse shows ceres, draped, standing left, holding two corn-ears in right hand and cornucopia 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
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 governing Lusitania and initially allying with Galba, Otho revolted against and murdered Galba in Rome. His brief reign ended when he committed suicide following the defeat of his forces by Vitellius at the Battle of Bedriacum.
This gold coin was struck at Rome during Otho's short principate. The coin pairs the obverse legend "IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P" with a reverse showing Ceres holding two corn-ears and a cornucopia, alongside the title "PONT MAX".
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Gold
- Denomination
- Aureus
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Otho
Design
- Obverse
- Head of Otho, bare, right
- Reverse
- Ceres, draped, standing left, holding two corn-ears in right hand and cornucopia in left
- Obverse legend
- IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P
- Reverse legend
- PONT MAX
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC I (second edition) Otho 20
- Denomination and metal
- Aureus, Gold
- 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.20
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.