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 VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P' identifies the emperor and abbreviates some of his titles.

The foundation of the Roman imperial coinage system was the denarius. Alongside this there was a limited gold series, based on the aureus, and a base metal series based on the sestertius. A denarius was of high value, equivalent to a soldier's daily wage.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-516-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C10499
• Date: 69
  Minted in 69 AD
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P; head of Vitellius, laureate, r. / Rev. XVVIR SACR FAC; Tripod-lebes, dolphin, ravenand spear; shield at her feet
  Coin Type: RIC 24
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 17.50 mm D / Die Axis: 6.0
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC 24
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Vitellius
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Vitellius, Rome, AD 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