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RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 95

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 95. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Vitellius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Vitellius, laureate, right, with the legend A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P.

The reverse shows lucius Vitellius, togate, seated left on curule chair, extending right hand and holding eagle-tipped sceptre in left, with the legend L VITELLIVS COS III CENSOR.

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, during the civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. Proclaimed by the armies of Germania Inferior and Superior, he defeated Otho at the Battle of Bedriacum and was recognised by the Roman Senate. Upon his accession, Vitellius added the honorific title Germanicus to his name instead of Caesar.

Struck at Rome, this silver coin is a denarius, the standard Roman silver denomination originally introduced circa 211 BC during the Second Punic War. The obverse legend carries Vitellius's name and titles, "A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P", incorporating the title Germanicus. The reverse depicts Lucius Vitellius, togate, seated on a curule chair with an eagle-tipped sceptre, accompanied by the inscription "L VITELLIVS COS III CENSOR".

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Vitellius

Design

Obverse
Head of Vitellius, laureate, right
Reverse
Lucius Vitellius, togate, seated left on curule chair, extending right hand and holding eagle-tipped sceptre in left
Obverse legend
A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P
Reverse legend
L VITELLIVS COS III CENSOR

Identification

Type reference
RIC I (second edition) Vitellius 95
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P
Reverse legend to match
L VITELLIVS COS III CENSOR
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 97

    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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