Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 127 17 Nov 2021
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Vitellius, 69
Aureus, Lugdunum 2 January-18 April 69, AV 7.31 g. A VITELLIVS GER IMP – AVG P MAX TR P Laureate head r. Rev. VESTA P – R QVIRITIVM Vesta seated l., holding patera in r. hand and sceptre in l. C –. BMC –. RIC –. CBN –. Calicó 575a (this coin).
Exceedingly rare, apparently the finest of only two specimens known. A very
interesting and unusual portrait struck in high relief. Irregular flan and
minor marks otherwise extremely fine
Ex Freeman & Sear mail bid sale 13, 2006, 438 and CNG Numismatic Review XLIV.1, 2019, 498319. From the F. Martin Post collection.
Graded AU Strike 5/5 Surface 3/5 marks, NCG certification number 6157263-002
Had the strange and unpredictable tides of civil war not intervened in the life of Aulus Vitellius, he probably would have remained unknown to history, except, perhaps, for the chance discovery of his tombstone. Instead, Galba appointed him governor of Lower Germany late in 68 with the intent of removing him from the capital, and once there Vitellius was swept into power at the head of an insubordinate army intent on marching to Rome to collect their unpaid bonus.
As the uprising gained momentum the emperor whom the legions intended to threaten, Galba, was overthrown by his subordinate Otho, who was doomed to a very brief reign. Already en route, the German legions decided to continue, and after they had triumphed in a bloody contest with Otho's army in Northern Italy the senate hailed their candidate Augustus. Vitellius was still in Gaul with the remainder of his troops when he learned of the victory and the actions of the senate, and he celebrated upon reaching the provincial capital of Lugdunum.
He then continued on to Italy and joined the advance legions, leading his 60,000 men on a leisurely march toward Rome that occupied more than a month. Upon arriving he remained in office for eight chaotic months until armies loyal to a new contender, Vespasian, marched on Rome and caused his overthrow.
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Aureus, Lugdunum 2 January-18 April 69, AV 7.31 g. A VITELLIVS GER IMP – AVG P MAX TR P Laureate head r. Rev. VESTA P – R QVIRITIVM Vesta seated l., holding patera in r. hand and sceptre in l. C –. BMC –. RIC –. CBN –. Calicó 575a (this coin).
Exceedingly rare, apparently the finest of only two specimens known. A very
interesting and unusual portrait struck in high relief. Irregular flan and
minor marks otherwise extremely fine
Ex Freeman & Sear mail bid sale 13, 2006, 438 and CNG Numismatic Review XLIV.1, 2019, 498319. From the F. Martin Post collection.
Graded AU Strike 5/5 Surface 3/5 marks, NCG certification number 6157263-002
Had the strange and unpredictable tides of civil war not intervened in the life of Aulus Vitellius, he probably would have remained unknown to history, except, perhaps, for the chance discovery of his tombstone. Instead, Galba appointed him governor of Lower Germany late in 68 with the intent of removing him from the capital, and once there Vitellius was swept into power at the head of an insubordinate army intent on marching to Rome to collect their unpaid bonus.
As the uprising gained momentum the emperor whom the legions intended to threaten, Galba, was overthrown by his subordinate Otho, who was doomed to a very brief reign. Already en route, the German legions decided to continue, and after they had triumphed in a bloody contest with Otho's army in Northern Italy the senate hailed their candidate Augustus. Vitellius was still in Gaul with the remainder of his troops when he learned of the victory and the actions of the senate, and he celebrated upon reaching the provincial capital of Lugdunum.
He then continued on to Italy and joined the advance legions, leading his 60,000 men on a leisurely march toward Rome that occupied more than a month. Upon arriving he remained in office for eight chaotic months until armies loyal to a new contender, Vespasian, marched on Rome and caused his overthrow.
View a video of this lot