Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Vitellius

This silver coin was minted in Rome by the emperor Vitellius in 69 AD. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts a tripod with a raven within its legs and a dolphin above. The legend 'XVVIR SACR FAC' refers to the Quindecim viri sacris faciundis, a select group of men who were keepers of the Sibylline books. These books were consulted, by order of the Senate, at times of trouble or strange occurrences.

The Quindecim viri were priests of Apollo. Each of them had a tripod in his house sacred to the god, and they organised festivals dedicated to him. This coin presumably records the election of Vitellius into the main priestly colleges.

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Online ID:	000-180-001-503-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland
Date:	Minted in 69 AD
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References:	Sutherland, C.H.V. The Roman Imperial Coinage. From 31 BC to AD 69. Vol. 1, revised ed. London: Spink and Son Ltd, 1984.
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