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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 72

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 72. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Vitellius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Vitellius, laureate, right, with the legend A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P.

The reverse shows concordia, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopia in left, with the legend CONCORDIA P R.

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, amidst the civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. Proclaimed emperor by the armies of Germania Inferior and Superior, he secured recognition from the Roman Senate after defeating Otho at the Battle of Bedriacum. Vitellius added the honorific title Germanicus upon his accession instead of Caesar.

This gold aureus was produced at Rome during his brief reign. The aureus formed the primary gold denomination of the Roman Empire, standardised at a value of 25 silver denarii and 100 sestertii. The coin's obverse bears Vitellius's portrait and the title "A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P", while the reverse carries the legend "CONCORDIA P R" alongside an image of Concordia seated, draped, and holding a patera and cornucopia.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Vitellius

Design

Obverse
Head of Vitellius, laureate, right
Reverse
Concordia, draped, seated left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopia in left
Obverse legend
A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P
Reverse legend
CONCORDIA P R

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 72
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P
Reverse legend to match
CONCORDIA P R
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

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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