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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Otho 3

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Otho 3. Denomination: Aureus. 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 pax, draped, standing left, holding branch in right hand and caduceus in left, with the legend PAX ORBIS TERRARVM.

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 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 revolting against and murdering Galba, Otho assumed imperial power in Rome while facing the rebellion of Vitellius, commander of the army in Germania Inferior, which ultimately led to the Battle of Bedriacum and Otho's suicide.

Valued at twenty-five silver denarii or one hundred sestertii, aurei formed the standard high-value currency of the empire. The obverse identifies the emperor through the legend "IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P", while the reverse displays Pax holding a branch and caduceus alongside the inscription "PAX ORBIS TERRARVM".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Otho

Design

Obverse
Head of Otho, bare, right
Reverse
Pax, draped, standing left, holding branch in right hand and caduceus in left
Obverse legend
IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P
Reverse legend
PAX ORBIS TERRARVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Otho 3
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
IMP M OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P
Reverse legend to match
PAX ORBIS TERRARVM
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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