Coin (obverse), 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 obverse of the coin.

The obverse has the head of the emperor Vitellius wearing a laurel wreath and looking to the right. The legend '[A V]ITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P' identifies the emperor and abbreviates some of his titles.

In the civil wars of 68 to 69 AD, Vitellius was supported by the German legionaries who had been angered by Galba's refusal to reward them for their part in earlier intrigues. Vitellius in turn lost out to Vespasian, who had the support of the eastern legionaries.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-500-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1932.471
• Date: 69
  Minted in 69 AD
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. (A V)ITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P; head of Vitellius, laureate, r. / Rev. PONT MAXIM; Vesta seated r.
  Coin Type: RIC 20
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 6.0
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC 20
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Vesta
  Vitellius
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Vitellius, Rome, 69
  
• 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. 
• Translations:
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  • Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Vitellius