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RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 53

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 53. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Vitellius. Mint: Lugdunum. The obverse shows head of Vitellius, laureate, right; globe at point of neck, with the legend A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN. The reverse shows clasped right hands, with the legend FIDES EXERCITVVM.

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 67.

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

Aulus Vitellius was Roman emperor for eight months, ruling from 19 April to 20 December AD 69 during the Year of the Four Emperors. Proclaimed emperor in January by the armies of Germania Inferior and Superior, he seized power following the brief reigns of Galba and Otho. Upon his accession, Vitellius adopted the honorific title Germanicus rather than Caesar, and was recognized as emperor by the Senate.

This silver denarius was struck at the mint of Lugdunum. The obverse bears the portrait of Vitellius alongside the inscription "A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN", while the reverse displays clasped right hands with the legend "FIDES EXERCITVVM".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Lugdunum
Authority
Vitellius

Design

Obverse
Head of Vitellius, laureate, right; globe at point of neck
Reverse
Clasped right hands
Obverse legend
A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN
Reverse legend
FIDES EXERCITVVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 53
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN
Reverse legend to match
FIDES 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 54

    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 67

    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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