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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 118

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 118. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Vitellius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Vitellius, laureate, draped, right, with the legend A VITELLIVS GERMANICVS IMP AVG P M TR P. The reverse shows pax, draped, standing left, holding branch in right hand and cornucopia in left, with the legend PAX AVGVSTI S C.

Related types with the same reverse, struck at other mints or with different marks or bust details, are consolidated here and listed under varieties: RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 139.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
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

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze sestertius features an obverse legend identifying the ruler as "A VITELLIVS GERMANICVS IMP AVG P M TR P". In the Roman monetary system, the sestertius was valued at two and a half asses, or one quarter of a denarius, functioning as a denomination useful for commerce. The reverse depicts Pax draped, holding a branch and cornucopia, with the legend "PAX AVGVSTI S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Vitellius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Vitellius, laureate, draped, right
Reverse
Pax, draped, standing left, holding branch in right hand and cornucopia in left
Obverse legend
A VITELLIVS GERMANICVS IMP AVG P M TR P
Reverse legend
PAX AVGVSTI S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 118
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
A VITELLIVS GERMANICVS IMP AVG P M TR P
Reverse legend to match
PAX AVGVSTI S C
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

Varieties

  • RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 117

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

  • RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 139

    Same ruler, denomination, reverse type and reverse legend; differs in mint, mint mark, officina or bust detail. Consolidated into this entry.

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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