Aulus Vitellius Germanicus Augustus was Roman Emperor for eight months, from 16 April to 22 December AD 69.
Vitellius was proclaimed emperor following the quick succession of the previous emperors Galba and Otho, in a year of civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors.
His claim to the throne was soon challenged by legions stationed in the eastern provinces, who proclaimed their commander Vespasian emperor instead. War ensued, leading to a crushing defeat for Vitellius at the Second Battle of Bedriacum in northern Italy. Once he realised his support was wavering, Vitellius prepared to abdicate in favor of Vespasian but was executed in Rome by Vespasian's soldiers on 22 December 69.
Vitellius was proclaimed emperor following the quick succession of the previous emperors Galba and Otho, in a year of civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors.
His claim to the throne was soon challenged by legions stationed in the eastern provinces, who proclaimed their commander Vespasian emperor instead. War ensued, leading to a crushing defeat for Vitellius at the Second Battle of Bedriacum in northern Italy. Once he realised his support was wavering, Vitellius prepared to abdicate in favor of Vespasian but was executed in Rome by Vespasian's soldiers on 22 December 69.
(1)
Vitellius
Obverse: A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, Laureate head right
Reverse: CONCORDIA P R, Concordia seated left, holding patera and cornucopia
Diameter:
18 mm
Die Orientation: 12 H
Weight: 2.91 g
Die Orientation: 12 H
Weight: 2.91 g
Ex Pecunem.com auction lot 37-640 (Gitbud & Naumann)
RIC 2
(2)
Vitellius
Obverse: A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN, Head of Vitellius facing right, wearing laurel wreath, globe at point of bust
Reverse: FIDES EXERCITVVM, Inscription in two lines with clasped hands between
Diameter:
18 mm
Die Orientation: 3 H
Weight: 3.22 g
Die Orientation: 3 H
Weight: 3.22 g
Spain, (Tarraco?) (modern Tarragona) mint per RIC.
RIC I (Second Edition) Vitellius 27
(3)
Vitellius
.jpg)
Obverse: A VITELLIVS GERMANICVS IMP, bare head right
Reverse: CONCORDIA PR, Concordia seated left, holding patera and cornucopiae
Diameter:
19 mm
Die Orientation: 5 H
Weight: 2.72 g
Die Orientation: 5 H
Weight: 2.72 g
Sold for £76.90 on 02/09/18
RIC 66; BMC 1; Sear 2196
(4)
Vitellius
(3).jpg)
Obverse: A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN, laureate head left, globe at point of neck; palm before
Reverse: VICTORIA AVGVSTI, Victory flying left, holding round shield inscribed S P/Q R
Diameter:
18 mm
Die Orientation: 7 H
Weight: 3.45 g
Die Orientation: 7 H
Weight: 3.45 g
A wonderful & delicate sculptural portrait of Vitellius, one of my favourite portrait coins. Ex. Naville Numismatics Auction 41; Lot 523; Ex. Jesús Vico Auction 133 (2012); Lot 2327
RIC 36; BMC 94; RSC 101; Sear 2191