Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Vitellius

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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 Vesta, the goddess of the hearth, seated on a chair holding a pan called a patera and a vertical sceptre. The legend 'PONT MAXIM' refers to Vitellius's title of Pontifex Maximus.

The college of pontiffs, headed by the Pontifex Maximus, supervised and had legal authority over all matters concerning religion. The Pontifex had the right to appoint Vestal Virgins, the priestesses sacred to the goddess Vesta.

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-501-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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