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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 60

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 60. 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 vesta, veiled and draped, seated left on throne, holding patera in right hand and holding up torch in left, with the legend VESTA P R QVIRITIVM.

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 served as Roman emperor for eight months from 19 April to 20 December AD 69, during the civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. Proclaimed emperor by the armies of Germania Inferior and Superior in January, he came to power following the rapid successions of Galba and Otho. Vitellius assumed the honorific title Germanicus rather than Caesar upon his accession to the imperial throne.

Struck at the mint of Lugdunum, this silver denarius functioned within the Roman coinage system, where the denarius served as the standard silver denomination. The coin features an obverse portrait with the legend "A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN", reflecting the title Germanicus adopted by the emperor. The reverse depicts the goddess Vesta, veiled and draped on a throne with a patera and torch, accompanied by the inscription "VESTA P R QVIRITIVM".

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
Vesta, veiled and draped, seated left on throne, holding patera in right hand and holding up torch in left
Obverse legend
A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN
Reverse legend
VESTA P R QVIRITIVM

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 60
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN
Reverse legend to match
VESTA P R QVIRITIVM
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 59

    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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