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Orbis Collectibles

RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 86

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 86. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Vitellius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Vitellius, laureate, right, with the legend A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P. The reverse shows tripod lebes on which lies a dolphin, beneath is a raven, with the legend XV VIR SACR FAC.

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 was Roman emperor for eight months, ruling 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, he defeated his predecessor Otho at the Battle of Bedriacum. Upon his accession, he adopted the honorific title Germanicus instead of Caesar.

Struck at the Rome mint, this silver denarius represents the standard Roman silver denomination. The coin features the obverse legend "A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P", incorporating his chosen title Germanicus alongside his imperial titles. The reverse displays a tripod lebes with a dolphin and a raven, accompanied by the inscription "XV VIR SACR FAC". Vitellius ruled until his defeat and subsequent execution in Rome by the soldiers of Vespasian on 20 December 69.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Vitellius

Design

Obverse
Head of Vitellius, laureate, right
Reverse
Tripod lebes on which lies a dolphin, beneath is a raven
Obverse legend
A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P
Reverse legend
XV VIR SACR FAC

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 86
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP TR P
Reverse legend to match
XV VIR SACR FAC
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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