A Choice Sestertius of the Roman Emperor Vitellius, AD 69
In the chaos following Nero's suicide, several men including Aulus Vitellius, Governor of Lower Germany, briefly contended for power. Proclaimed Augustus by the German legions, he marched on Rome pillaging the countryside as he went. For a few short months he reigned in Rome where his gluttony was legendary. Soon however Vespasian, the Governor of Judaea, who had also been proclaimed Augustus, approached with his legions to the outskirts of Rome. Faced with an overwhelming force, Vitellius offered to abdicate, but the Romans, appalled at his weakness, refused to accept his abdication. The terrified Vitellius retired to his Palace where several days later he was dragged out, tortured and murdered and his body cast into the Tiber.
All coins of Vitellius are quite scarce to rare due to his short time as emperor. The current example has one of the finest portraits, the folds of his neck clearly betraying his gluttony. It is said that in his ill fated attempt to flee Rome he had tried only to take his pastry chef with him. Obverse: Finely engraved bust of Vitellius wearing a laurel wreath; Latin legend A VITELLIVS GERMAN IMP AVG PM TR P, abbreviated form of Aulus Vitellius Germanicus Imperator Avgustus Pontifex Maximus Tribunicia Potestas = 'Aulus Vitellius, victor over the Germans, Emperor, Augustus, Head of the State Religion, with Tribunal Powers'. Reverse: The God Mars, naked but for a crested helmet, walking right carrying a spear and a legionary standard; Latin letters S C, abbreviation for Senatus Consultuo = 'Issued with the consent of The Senate'. Mean diameter: 36 mm. (1.42"). Weight: 25.02 gm. (0.985 Troy oz.). Metal composition: Bronze. References: ??? Grade: Almost Extra Fine. Price US$3,500. Status: Available. Order #C060.
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