As of Vitellius - 1972.08

Acquisition number: 1972.08

Other images

Rev.: Libertas (Liberty) holding a pileus (the cap of a manumitted slave) and a sceptre

Obv.: Head of Vitellius l., laureate. Globe at point of neck. A(ulus) VITELLIVS IMP(erator) GERMAN(icus).

Rev.: Libertas standing in front, draped, holding pileus in right hand and long sceptre in left hand. LIBERTAS RESTITVTA. In field, S(enatus) C(onsulto).

Title: As of Vitellius - 1972.08

Acquisition number: 1972.08

Author or editor: Beryl Rawson

Culture or period: Roman Imperial

Date: AD 69 (Jan/July)

Material: Metal - Bronze

Object type: Coins - Roman

Dimensions: 28mm (w)

Origin region or location: Spain

Origin city: Tarraco

Display case or on loan: 7

Keywords: Coin, as, Roman, Imperial, Vitellius, Libertas, Tarraco, Hispania

Mattingly, H., E.A. Sydenham, C.H. Sutherland, R.A. Carson, The Roman Imperial Coinage 13 vols (London,  Spink, 1923-1994) 43; Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 2218; Mattingly, H.,Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, 6 vols (London, 1965) 105; Giard, J.-P., Catalogue des Monnaies de l’Empire Romain 3 vols (Paris: Bibliothèque Nationale, 1988-1998) 19, C 49, [Tarraco, Jan.-Jul. AD 69].

1972.08

As of Vitellius

11.683 g. AD 69 (Jan/July)

Obv.: Head of Vitellius l., laureate. Globe at point of neck. A(ulus) VITELLIVS IMP(erator) GERMAN(icus).

Rev.: Libertas standing in front, draped, holding pileus in right hand and long sceptre in left hand. LIBERTAS RESTITVTA. In field, S(enatus) C(onsulto).

Minted at Tarraco (Spain).

Issued from a Spanish mint (Tarraco). Vitellius was the third of the military men who seized power in the ‘Year of the Four Emperors’. He was in command of the army in Lower Germany; Gaul and Spain also declared for him. He issued a large series of bronze coins from Tarraco before his arrival in Rome. This coin was minted between Vitellius’ being hailed emperor by his troops in January AD 69 and his entry into Rome and receipt of the title ‘Augustus’ in July. He was murdered in December AD 69. Vitellius took on the title ‘Germanicus’ when all the German legions declared their support for him. (Suetonius Vitellius 8.2)  

‘Liberty’ legends were common on coinage of this year. The pileus was the cap worn to advertise free status.

Vitellius’ gluttony was notorious, and this aspect of his character is often realistically portrayed on his coins.

Mattingly, H., E.A. Sydenham, C.H. Sutherland, R.A. Carson, The Roman Imperial Coinage 13 vols (London,  Spink, 1923-1994) 43; Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 2218; Mattingly, H.,Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, 6 vols (London, 1965) 105; Giard, J.-P., Catalogue des Monnaies de l’Empire Romain 3 vols (Paris: Bibliothèque Nationale, 1988-1998) 19, C 49, [Tarraco, Jan.-Jul. AD 69].