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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 23

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 23. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Vitellius. Mint: Tarraco. The obverse shows head of Vitellius, laureate, left; globe at point of neck, with the legend A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN.

The reverse shows mars, helmeted, wearing only cloak, advancing left, holding spear in right hand and aquila and vexillum in left, with the legend CONSENSVS EXERCITVVM.

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

Struck at Tarraco, this silver coin belongs to the standard Roman silver denomination introduced during the Second Punic War. The obverse depicts Vitellius alongside the inscription "A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN", reflecting the title he assumed upon taking power. The reverse shows the helmeted god Mars holding a spear, an aquila, and a vexillum, accompanied by the legend "CONSENSVS EXERCITVVM". Vitellius's reign ended when forces loyal to Vespasian defeated his troops and executed him in Rome on 20 December 69.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Tarraco
Authority
Vitellius

Design

Obverse
Head of Vitellius, laureate, left; globe at point of neck
Reverse
Mars, helmeted, wearing only cloak, advancing left, holding spear in right hand and aquila and vexillum in left
Obverse legend
A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN
Reverse legend
CONSENSVS EXERCITVVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 23
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN
Reverse legend to match
CONSENSVS EXERCITVVM
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 20

    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 21

    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 24

    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 25

    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 50

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks 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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