Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Otho

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by the emperor Otho 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 Ceres, the goddess of the harvest, holding a cornucopiae (horn of plenty) and ears of corn. The legend 'PONT MAX' refers to Otho's title of Pontifex Maximus, head of the college of pontiffs, which had legal authority over all matters concerning religion.

In his brief reign of three months, Otho had little time to show what kind of emperor he would have been. His coins, however, show how he wanted to be viewed: as a ruler of a peaceful state which provided plenty for its citizens.

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-497-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
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• 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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