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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 163

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 163. Denomination: As. Authority: Vitellius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Vitellius, laureate, right, with the legend A VITELLIVS GERMA IMP AVG P M TR P.

The reverse shows altar enclosure with double paneled door and projections at top corners, with the legend PROVIDENT S C. The obverse shows head of Vitellius, laureate, right, with the legend A VITELLIVS GERMA IMP AVG P M TR P. The reverse shows altar enclosure with double paneled door and projections at top corners, with the legend PROVIDENT S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
5
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

Aulus Vitellius ruled as Roman emperor for eight months, from 19 April to 20 December AD 69, during the period of civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. Proclaimed emperor in January by the armies of Germania Inferior and Superior, he defeated his predecessor Otho at the Battle of Bedriacum. Vitellius was subsequently recognised as emperor by the Roman Senate in Rome.

This bronze as was struck at Rome under the authority of Vitellius. Upon his accession, Vitellius adopted the honorific title Germanicus instead of Caesar, an addition reflected on the obverse legend which names him "A VITELLIVS GERMA IMP AVG P M TR P". The reverse depicts an altar enclosure featuring a double paneled door alongside projections at the top corners, accompanied by the inscription "PROVIDENT S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
As

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Vitellius

Design

Obverse
Head of Vitellius, laureate, right
Reverse
Altar enclosure with double paneled door and projections at top corners
Obverse legend
A VITELLIVS GERMA IMP AVG P M TR P
Reverse legend
PROVIDENT S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 163
Denomination and metal
As, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
A VITELLIVS GERMA IMP AVG P M TR P
Reverse legend to match
PROVIDENT 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. 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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