RIC I (second edition) Otho 21
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC I (second edition) Otho 21. 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 jupiter, half-draped, seated right on throne, holding thunderbolt in right hand sceptre in left, with the legend PONT MAX.
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 was Roman emperor for three months, ruling from 15 January to 16 April 69 during the Year of the Four Emperors. A former governor of Lusitania who had allied with Galba, Otho seized power in Rome by murdering Galba. His brief reign ended when he committed suicide following the defeat of his forces by Vitellius at the Battle of Bedriacum.
This silver denarius was struck at the mint of Rome under Otho's authority. The piece features the obverse legend "IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P" alongside a depiction of the emperor, while the reverse displays Jupiter seated on a throne, holding a thunderbolt and sceptre, 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
- Jupiter, half-draped, seated right on throne, holding thunderbolt in right hand sceptre in left
- Obverse legend
- IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P
- Reverse legend
- PONT MAX
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC I (second edition) Otho 21
- 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.21
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.