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RIC I (second edition) Otho 24

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Otho 24. 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 vesta, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and sceptre 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 ruled as Roman emperor for three months, from 15 January to 16 April 69, during the period known as the Year of the Four Emperors. Formerly governor of Lusitania, he allied with Galba before revolting against and murdering him in Rome. Otho's brief reign was dominated by the rebellion of Vitellius, culminating in the Battle of Bedriacum and Otho's suicide.

Struck at the Rome mint, this coin was produced as a denarius, the standard Roman silver coin introduced during the Second Punic War. The obverse depicts the bare head of Otho accompanied by the legend IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P. The reverse portrays the goddess Vesta, draped and seated, holding a patera and a sceptre, beneath the inscription PONT MAX.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Otho

Design

Obverse
Head of Otho, bare, right
Reverse
Vesta, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and sceptre in left
Obverse legend
IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P
Reverse legend
PONT MAX

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Otho 24
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

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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